SIM Binding: WhatsApp will not work without a SIM card, SIM binding rules will come into effect from March 1..

SIM Binding India: All the apps people use to chat or make calls online are about to undergo a major change. SIM-binding will come into effect on March 1st. Simply put, this means that if the SIM card used to create an account is removed from the phone, the app will stop working on that phone.

The central government has made it clear that there will be no relaxation or exemption in the rules related to SIM-binding. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified on Wednesday that this rule will come into effect on March 1st, and the deadline will not be extended. This means that starting March 1st, it will be mandatory to have a SIM card in your mobile phone to use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Currently, many people use WhatsApp without a SIM card.

What is the new SIM-binding rule?

Starting March 1st, apps like WhatsApp and Signal will be required to 'bind' their accounts to a SIM card. This simply means that your WhatsApp or Signal app will only work if the registered SIM card is physically present and active in your phone. You won't be able to use WhatsApp on your phone using another SIM card if that SIM is not in your phone.

Why did the government take this strict decision?

According to the Communications Minister, this decision was taken to protect national security and prevent fraud.
Scammers often use other people's numbers to make fake calls and messages.

SIM binding will ensure that the app is being used by the person holding the SIM card.

Companies expressed concern
Internet companies (such as Meta and Google) say this rule is technically difficult. They argued that many tablets and laptops lack SIM slots, making it difficult to run these apps there. This could compromise the user experience. However, the government believes that national security is more important than user experience.
Rules for those using WhatsApp on a computer
People who use WhatsApp on a computer as a linked device will have their session logged out every 6 hours.

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