New Delhi, December 1 – Following new regulations issued by the Department of Telecommunications for messaging platforms, users of platforms like ‘WhatsApp Web’ will now have to log out every six hours.
The new guidelines issued last week made it mandatory that web-based platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Aratai, Snapchat, ShareChat and other platforms must have their user registrations linked to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) services being used at the time.
This means that messaging platform services will be connected to the SIM card. Users will only be able to use these app services when the SIM is present in their phone. As soon as the SIM is switched off, users will not be able to access the services. Due to this reason, users on platforms like ‘WhatsApp Web’ will have to log out every six hours.
The circular issued by the Department of Telecommunications states that if the original SIM is not present in the device, users will not be able to use these apps after 90 days. Each web-based platform will have to submit a compliance report to the Government within four months.
This step has been taken by the Government to prevent misuse of messaging apps, as cyber fraudsters often used WhatsApp without SIM cards from outside India to carry out fraudulent activities.
Making SIM binding mandatory provides a way to track any subscriber’s activity and will help prevent fraud.
These rules have emerged from the Telecom Cyber Security Amendment Rules, 2025, which introduced the concept of Telecom Identifier User Entity.
Under the amended rules, platforms will require access to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) stored on the SIM, which will require global services like WhatsApp to redesign parts of their systems for Indian users.
Tech companies have said that continuous SIM verification and logging out every six hours will interfere with user privacy and eliminate the convenience of multi-device usage. However, telecom companies have supported the Government’s move.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
