The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in india has recently issued a major directive affecting how messaging apps like whatsapp operate. Under this rule, apps that use your mobile number for identity (like whatsapp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, etc.) must ensure that the account is continuously tied to the active SIM card that was used at registration.

❗ What This Means for whatsapp Users

· You’ll only be able to use whatsapp if the registered SIM card is present and active in your phone. If the SIM is removed, replaced, or deactivated, the app must stop working.

· This sim‑binding rule comes from the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, which are intended to prevent cyber fraud.

· Messaging apps have 90 days to implement these changes — expected to be fully in effect by february 2026.

🔄 Frequent Logouts for Web Versions

In addition to SIM binding on phones:

· WhatsApp Web and desktop sessions will automatically log out every 6 hours, even if you don’t remove your SIM.

· To continue using whatsapp Web, you’ll have to re‑link your device by scanning the QR code again using the phone with the active SIM.

This replaces the previous experience where whatsapp Web could stay connected for days without repeated QR scans.

⚠️ Why the government Is Mandating This

According to authorities, the earlier system allowed whatsapp and similar apps to stay logged in even after the SIM was removed or the number was deactivated — something that could be exploited by fraudsters, including those operating from outside India. By tying accounts to an active SIM, law enforcement and telecom agencies can better trace misuse and fraud cases.

📱 Who Will Be Affected Most?

This new setup will change how many people use WhatsApp:

✔ Users who switch SIM cards frequently
✔ people with old devices without SIM slots (e.g., Wi‑Fi tablets)
✔ Those travelling abroad who insert a local SIM
✔ office setups relying heavily on WhatsApp Web or desktop clients
All these users may need to keep the original registered SIM active or frequently re‑authenticate.

📌 What Doesn’t Change (For Now)

· You won’t lose your chats just because your SIM is inactive — but you won’t be able to open whatsapp until you insert your registered SIM and verify.

· This requirement affects access and session logins, not your chat history itself (chat backup rules remain the same).

🧠 In Simple Terms

Feature

Before

After SIM Rule

WhatsApp with no SIM card

✔ Possible once initially verified

❌ Not allowed

WhatsApp Web staying logged in

✔ Often stays logged in long

🔁 Auto‑logout every 6 hours

Switching SIMs

✔ Works until re‑verification needed

❌ App stops until SIM is active

Logging in on new device

✔ Same security flow

✔ Same, but SIM must be present

🛡️ Why This Matters

The change aims to increase cybersecurity and traceability of messaging accounts. However, many users — especially those who use secondary devices without SIM cards — might find themselves logged out more frequently or unable to use whatsapp until they put the registered SIM back in.

 

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