WhatsApp users are facing increasing headaches! Repeated logins are no longer a hassle. What are the new rules?

The rules for using messaging platforms in India have changed. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented new cybersecurity rules that directly impact WhatsApp Web, Telegram Web, and all other web-based messaging platforms. According to the new instructions, users will now be required to log out of platforms like WhatsApp Web every six hours.

SIM alert also applies.
Last week, the government introduced guidelines for messaging apps that require all web-based messaging services to be integrated with SIM-based verification. This means that a user's identity will now be linked to the phone number (SIM) they registered with. The apps' services will only function as long as that SIM is active in the mobile phone.

This means that if the SIM card is deactivated, replaced, or removed, the messaging service session will be terminated. Consequently, platforms like WhatsApp Web will have to implement an automatic disconnection every six hours.

Service will be suspended if the SIM is not present for 90 days.
The Department of Telecommunications has clearly stated that if a device does not have the original SIM, it will not be able to use any messaging service within 90 days. This rule applies to all platforms—WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, SnapChat, ShareChat, and any new web-based platform in the future. Furthermore, every company will be required to submit a compliance report to the government within four months to prove that they are following the new security protocols.

A major step by the government to prevent fraud
This government move is related to preventing cyber fraud. However, many scammers operating WhatsApp from outside India on VoIP numbers without a SIM card were using it and defrauding people by making fraudulent calls and messages. SIM-binding will now make it easier to trace any user's activity and significantly curb cybercrime.

Access to IMSI is Required
According to the new rules, messaging apps will be required to obtain permission to read the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) stored on the SIM. This will require significant changes to their system architecture, particularly for global companies like WhatsApp, requiring them to develop new, secure features for their Indian users.

New Rules for Messaging Apps in India – Short Informative Table
What's Changed?
1. Logout every 6 hours: Auto-logout every six hours is mandatory on all web-based platforms, including WhatsApp Web and Telegram Web.

2. SIM-Based Verification: Every web messaging service will now be linked to the SIM. Service will be terminated upon removal of the SIM.

3. 90-Day Rule: If the original SIM is not in the device, the account/service will be terminated after 90 days.

4. Cyber ​​Fraud Prevention: Strict monitoring of international scammers using SIM-less apps helps prevent fraud.

5. IMSI access: Apps requiring access to the IMSI data stored on the SIM will have to undergo a major system overhaul.

6. Report within 4 months: All platforms will have to submit a compliance report to the government within 4 months.

7. Privacy concerns: Companies say that repeated verification will impact privacy and multi-device features.

Tech companies' concerns: Impact on user privacy
Several tech companies have expressed concerns that:

Constant SIM verification

Auto-logout every 6 hours

End of multi-device support

All of this will impact both user experience and privacy.

Telecom companies and some cybersecurity experts are supporting these rules.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Zee Business. 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.