Why will WhatsApp and Telegram stop working without an active SIM from Jan 1, 2027?

WhatsApp and Telegram will stop working without an active SIM in the phone from 1 January 2027.
• The telecom department has made SIM binding mandatory for these apps from 31 December 2026.
It aims to curb cross-border cyber fraud, phishing and digital arrest scams using Indian numbers.
Web versions must log out users every six hours, and Snapchat, Arattai, ShareChat and Signal are covered.

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