Messaging Apps: The Government of India has published a new and essential law for popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. According to the new ruling, users will only be permitted to use these apps if they have the same SIM card that was used to register for the app. This means that if a user removes their phone’s SIM card, the app will stop working instantly. This move was done to reduce cybercrime and fraud.
Full infprmation for Messaging Apps below
This will also effect the web version
The government’s decision mandates that WhatsApp Web and other web-based messaging services check out every six hours. This will make it more difficult for cyber fraudsters to reach criminals based in other countries .
The reason for issuing the order
According to the DoT, many fraudsters scam individuals by dialing Indian numbers from outside India or by using internet calling. Until now, apps simply required one-time authentication of mobile numbers, allowing crooks to utilize them on many devices. SIM card binding will make it easier for crooks to access them.
Impact on the public
Following this directive, starting February 2026, a SIM card with the same number will be necessary to use WhatsApp or Telegram. If you remove the SIM card, the app will close and you will have to re-insert it and log in to use it.
Impact on Computer Use
WhatsApp Web and other chat apps on PCs will now log out automatically every six hours. This means you’ll need to re-log in to your PC every six hours. Previously, this occurred only if the app had not been used on the primary device for 14 days.
