Govts SIM binding directive on app-based messaging platforms ultra vires: Tech industry body BIF

New Delhi, Feb 27 (PTI) Broadband India Forum, an industry body that represents major tech firms like Meta, Google, and others, has questioned the legal validity of the government’s SIM binding mandate, citing a senior counsel’s opinion that termed the direction as “ultra vires the parent legislation” and “unconstitutional”.

In a letter dated February 23 to the Department of Telecom (DoT) secretary Amit Agrawal, BIF highlighted the legal opinion which concluded that the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, and recent directives regarding ‘SIM binding’ exceed the authority granted by the parent Telecommunications Act of 2023.