Assessing the Potential Impact of SIM-Binding Directives on Consumers and Small and Medium Businesses

Background and Context

In November 2025, the Department of Telecommunications issued new directions for OTT messaging platforms. The Directions require messaging accounts to remain continuously linked to the same SIM card used during registration, and mandate frequent re-authentication for web or desktop access. The government’s objective is to strengthen user protection and support law enforcement investigations, and to improve security and traceability in response to rising concerns about cyber fraud, impersonation, and cross-border scams.

However, messaging services today are widely used across India for everyday communication, business operations, education, and social interaction. Such requirements may therefore affect how users interact with these services in practice. They could create challenges for users who rely on multi-device access, shared devices, or connectivity without a physical SIM.

Given the widespread reliance on these platforms, it is important to understand how such measures may influence user experience, digital access, and everyday workflows. This study draws on consumer and small business surveys conducted across India to capture real-world experiences and assess the potential impact of these Directions.