WhatsApp: SIM binding feature will be launched soon, know how safety will increase..

The way WhatsApp is used in India is about to change. In compliance with new DoT regulations, WhatsApp is working on a feature that will periodically check whether your SIM card is active in your phone. If the SIM is found to be inactive, your WhatsApp access may be blocked. This step is taken to prevent digital fraud and misuse of old numbers.

What is the new rule, and why is it needed?
Currently, once you log in to WhatsApp and remove the SIM card, the app continues to run. However, according to India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this system increases the risk of misuse of numbers that have been disconnected or allocated to someone else. Under the new system, WhatsApp will now periodically check in the background whether the SIM card associated with your WhatsApp number is still active on the same device. If the SIM card is missing from the device or found to be inactive, access to your account will be restricted. However, your data and chats will remain safe.

How will this new security layer work?

A 6-digit code will override a passkey.
WhatsApp recently introduced a modern feature like a passkey, but under India's new regulations, a six-digit verification code will once again be mandatory. Since the regulations require the presence of a SIM card, WhatsApp will now prioritize SIM-based authentication over a passkey to avoid violating the rules.

Session renewal prompts
Even after logging in, WhatsApp will periodically prompt users to reconfirm that they have the SIM card. This process will occur entirely in the background, but in the event of a failure, the user will need to intervene manually.

Are the changes applicable to everyone?
No, this is not yet confirmed. These regulations are being implemented specifically due to regulatory changes in India. This means that WhatsApp will continue to function as usual in other countries around the world. This will only affect accounts registered with the Indian international prefix (+91).

To implement this feature, Meta has completely redesigned its old authentication system. This has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.8.6. It is said that this system will also ensure that two-step verification (2FA) codes continue to work as before, but the presence of a SIM will be the primary security check.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. 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.