WhatsApp SIM Mandatory: Taking a big decision, the government has ordered to mandatorily link all messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram with an active SIM. The app will close as soon as the SIM is removed and the web login will have to be re-verified every 6 hours.
New Telecom Rules 2025: The Government of India has taken a big decision for crores of users of apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat and Aarttai. Now these messaging apps will not be able to run without an active SIM card. Under the government’s new Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules 2025, app-based communication platforms will be regulated like the telecom sector for the first time.
What is the new rule?
The government has clearly said that these apps will have to ensure that the SIM card remains active in the device, the service of the app stops as soon as the SIM is removed, this system will have to be implemented in every app within 90 days. A major change has also been made for those who use features like WhatsApp Web on web browsers. Now web login will automatically logout every 6 hours. QR code re-verification will be required to login again. The government claims that this step is very important to stop fraud, cyber crime and international scam operations.
Why was this tough decision taken?
DoT says that this is the biggest security leak in apps right now. The mobile number is verified for the first time. Even if the SIM is removed, turned off or replaced, the app still runs seamlessly! In such a situation, scammers keep running fake numbers from other countries too, it is almost impossible to reach them through location, call records or carrier data and it becomes very difficult to stop financial fraud and spam. COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India) says that continuous SIM binding will maintain traceability between user, number and device. This method will strengthen security like banking and UPI apps.
Will SIM binding really provide security?
Experts’ opinion is divided into two parts. Some have pointed out its benefits. He says that this will reduce fraud, every app used SIM will be verified and identification of fraudsters will become easier. While some experts believe that it is still easy to remove a SIM with fake IDs, scammers can still get away with it, the login experience can be extremely inconvenient and many questions can be raised regarding privacy. The biggest problem for millions of people is that now WhatsApp Web will not remain logged in for 24 hours.
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