Private telco body calls for mandatory SIM-binding on OTT apps to tackle cyber fraud, national security threats

The move is essential to combat rising cyber frauds and address growing national security risks, COAI said, which represents Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.

India’s top telecom body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged the government to enforce mandatory and persistent SIM-binding for all OTT communication apps such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram.

The move is essential to combat rising cyber frauds and address growing national security risks, COAI said, which represents Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.

COAI director general SP Kochhar said current regulations fall short, as OTT apps can continue functioning independently even after the SIM card used for initial verification is removed or deactivated. This loophole allows fraudsters to use app-based communication services without leaving behind any traceable records, such as call logs or location data.

"There is no verifiable link to the device or user during a crime, making it a significant impediment to tracking cyber fraud and enforcing digital security,” Kochhar said.

While telecom operators have implemented multiple safeguards, including Caller Name Presentation (CNAP), spam detection and strict SMS content screening, OTT platforms remain outside the scope of telecom-level controls.

COAI warned that fraudsters are increasingly shifting to these SIM-independent apps to bypass regulatory checks.

To fix this gap, COAI has proposed continuous SIM-authentication, meaning OTT apps should only function if the verified SIM is physically inserted in the device.

Kochhar emphasised that persistent SIM-binding will also create a level playing field by bringing OTT apps under the same compliance framework as telecom operators, ultimately helping prevent spam, cybercrime, and financial fraud.

“This approach would ensure consumer trust, accountability, traceability and alignment with existing regulatory frameworks,” Kochhar said, adding that it would also deter financial fraud and misuse of messaging apps.

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