New rule on WhatsApp-Telegram comes into effect from today, if SIM is removed from the phone the app will be closed

The new SIM binding rules have now been fully implemented in India. These rules were issued by the Department of Telecommunications i.e. DoT, and companies were given 90 days time, which ended on 28 February. Now messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal will have to ensure that the user’s account is linked to the SIM of the same mobile number, which is present and active in the primary slot of the phone.

Earlier, people used to verify once with OTP and remove the SIM and keep running the app on Wi-Fi, but now this will not work. If the registered SIM is removed, changed or disabled from the phone, the app will automatically stop working. To use it again, you will have to put the same SIM in the phone and verify it again.

Which app users will be affected?

Its biggest impact will be on the users of popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Especially those using WhatsApp Web or desktop version will face problems, because now they will be automatically logged out every six hours. To login again, you will have to scan the QR code from the active SIM present in the phone. If the SIM is not found, the linked device will also check the feature again and again and ask for re-verification. The government says that cyber fraud and online fraud have increased a lot in the last few years. The criminals used to verify the Indian number once by taking OTP and then used to commit fraud sitting from abroad. With these new rules, the account will always be linked to the SIM with KYC, which will make it easier to trace criminals and digital security will become stronger.

Will the rules apply to OTT platforms also?

These rules will be applicable only to accounts registered in India. If you go abroad and are roaming, then if Indian SIM is present in the phone then there will be no problem. But if you remove the SIM while traveling and insert a local SIM, the messaging app may stop temporarily. In such a situation, verification will have to be done upon returning or by inserting the SIM. There are no specific exemptions or exceptions mentioned in the rules, except in situations like roaming. These changes are applicable to OTT platforms, and companies not following them may face action under telecom and cyber security laws.

These rules will slightly change the daily habits of users, such as it will become necessary to always keep the SIM in the phone, especially for multi-device users and those using the web version. But its purpose is good, because it will reduce fraud and cheating. If you use these apps daily, then pay attention to the SIM activity from now on, and if you want to change the SIM, verify it in the app first. This change is being considered a big step towards making Digital India secure.