New rules apply on WhatsApp, Telegram from today, Apps will be closed if SIM is removed from the phone
A major technology change took effect in India on March 1, bringing both new challenges and security concerns for every WhatsApp and Telegram user. Some are worried and some are happy. Under Department of Telecommunication (DoT). By the government A new sim-binding rule has been implemented. Which means messaging apps will now only work on phones with the same active SIM card used to create the account.
The new SIM binding rules are now fully implemented in India. The rules have been issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and companies have been given a 90-day deadline, which ended on February 28. Now, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal have to ensure that user accounts are linked to a SIM card with a mobile number active in the phone’s primary slot.
Earlier, people used to remove the SIM card after verifying through OTP and continue using the app over Wi-Fi, but now this is not possible. If the registered SIM is removed, changed or switched off from the phone, the app will automatically stop working. To use it again, you need to insert the same SIM in the phone and verify again.
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Which app users will be affected?
Users of popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram will be affected the most. Those using the WhatsApp web or desktop version will face problems, as it will now log out automatically every six hours. To login again, you need to scan the QR code from the active SIM in your phone. If the SIM is not found, the Link Device feature will repeatedly check and ask for verification again. The government says that cyber fraud and online fraud have increased significantly in the last few years. Criminals used to verify the Indian number after getting the OTP and then do the fraud from abroad. These new rules will ensure that accounts are always linked to KYC-verified SIMs, making it easier to detect criminals and strengthening digital security.
Will the rules apply to OTT platforms as well?
These rules will apply only to accounts registered in India. If you are traveling abroad and roaming, having an Indian SIM in your phone won’t be a problem. However, if you remove the SIM and insert a local SIM during your trip, the messaging app may stop working temporarily. In that case, you have to verify it on return or by inserting a SIM. The rules do not provide any specific exemption except for situations like roaming. These changes apply to OTT platforms and companies that fail to comply may face action under the Telecom and Cybersecurity Act.
These regulations will slightly change the daily habits of users, who must always have the SIM in their phone, especially for multi-device users and web users. However, they serve a good purpose, as it will reduce cheating and fraud. If you use these apps daily, keep an eye on your SIM activity from now on and if you need to change the SIM, verify it in the app first. These changes are considered a major step towards making Digital India more secure.
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