WhatsApp is preparing to comply with new rules issued by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT). These rules are part of the government’s effort to make messaging apps more secure and linked to a user’s registered phone number.
According to the rules, messaging apps must check that the SIM card registered with the app is actually active on the phone being used. If the SIM is not in the phone, the app must stop access. This is meant to prevent misuse or unauthorized access to messaging accounts.
The rules also include changes for web-based versions, such as WhatsApp Web. Users will now be logged out automatically every six hours if they are using the service from a computer. This could be inconvenient for people who frequently use WhatsApp on their desktops for work or other purposes.
WhatsApp has confirmed that it is working on updates to meet these new requirements. The company will likely roll out changes gradually to ensure users can continue using the app without losing their chats or data.
These rules are part of a larger push by the government to ensure digital security and accountability on messaging platforms. Users are advised to keep their WhatsApp app updated to avoid any disruption once the new rules take effect.