Will WhatsApp be closed from March 1? How will the SIM-Binding rule affect millions of users?

The discussion about the implementation of SIM-binding rules from March 1 has intensified. In such a situation, the question in the minds of crores of users is whether WhatsApp will be closed? The government has made it clear that it will be mandatory to link messaging apps to the active SIM. This means that now it may be difficult to operate an account without a working SIM.

Government’s strict stance – safety first

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed OTT messaging companies that every user’s account should be linked to an active SIM. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has also said that this step is necessary to stop digital fraud and fake numbers.

The government says that this will make it easier for cyber criminals to reach out and fake call centers will be curbed.

What are SIM-Binding rules?

If you understand in simple language, if the SIM with which you have created a WhatsApp account is not active in your phone, then the app may stop working.

That means your account may be banned as soon as you remove the SIM. Till now people used to use one number on multiple devices, but the new rule may change this game.

Impact on WhatsApp Web and multi-device

Currently, WhatsApp’s Linked Device feature allows users to run accounts on multiple devices from the same number. But after SIM-Binding is implemented, repeated verification may be required.

There is a possibility that WhatsApp Web will log out every few hours and have to scan the QR code again. This may cause problems to office and business users.

Which people will be affected the most?

People who use WhatsApp on two-three phones or laptops from the same SIM may have to face direct consequences.

Small traders, who handle orders and customer chatting through WhatsApp, are expected to have 60-80 percent impact on their operations.

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Not only WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal are also in the scope

This rule is not limited to WhatsApp only. Platforms like Telegram and Signal can also come under its purview.

Although some tech companies have expressed concerns about privacy, at present the government seems to be adamant on its decision.

Now everyone’s eyes are on March 1. In the coming days, it will become clear how big a change the SIM-Binding rule brings to the digital world.