The way you use WhatsApp will change from January 1st; having a SIM card in your phone will be mandatory..

Do you use WhatsApp on a phone without a SIM card, relying solely on Wi-Fi? If so, you might face some difficulties in the near future. Under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines regarding "SIM binding," the rules for using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal could change. The new regulations may require the SIM card associated with a messaging app account to be present in the very device on which the app is being used. Consequently, removing the SIM card or having it become inactive could disrupt access to the app's services.

The government’s objective is to curb online fraud, the creation of fake accounts, and the misuse of mobile numbers. It is alleged that cybercriminals often verify their accounts using Indian mobile numbers but continue to use these messaging apps even after removing the SIM card. SIM binding is expected to help prevent such instances. To address this, changes to WhatsApp’s operational rules are set to take effect from January 1, 2027.

Which users will be affected?
This change could impact individuals who use two separate phones or those who run WhatsApp on older smartphones using only Wi-Fi. The technical implementation will also be significant for users of eSIMs and iPhones. However, the extent of the impact on various devices and users will depend on the specific technical execution of these rules. Further clarity is still awaited regarding how this will specifically affect dual-phone users, those using WhatsApp over Wi-Fi, and eSIM users.

How does WhatsApp work currently?
At present, you can install WhatsApp on any mobile device by inserting a SIM card. To set up the app, an OTP (One-Time Password) is sent to your mobile number; once the verification process is complete, you can continue to use the app even after removing the SIM card. The Department of Telecommunications is now preparing to change this. The department believes that to ensure user identity verification and to curb fraud or online scams, the use of WhatsApp without an active SIM card must be restricted. Although this will, to a significant extent, also impact users, taking this step is considered necessary for security.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.