WhatsApp Web to log Indian users out every 6 hours after new govt rules
The Indian government has introduced a new set of rules aimed at combating the rising instances of digital fraud in the country. As part of these rules, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated SIM binding for all Over-The-Top (OTT) messaging platforms, including WhatsApp. This move is likely to affect the way Indian users access WhatsApp Web, as they will be logged out every six hours.
The new directive requires OTT messaging platforms to ensure compliance within 90 days. This means that WhatsApp and other similar services will have to implement the necessary changes to their web services to adhere to the new rules. The move is intended to prevent instances of digital fraud, which have been on the rise in recent years. By binding SIM cards to user accounts, the government hopes to make it more difficult for scammers to use fake or stolen identities to commit crimes.
The impact of this new rule on Indian users will be significant. Currently, users can access WhatsApp Web on their computers or laptops without any interruptions. However, once the new rule comes into effect, users will be automatically logged out of WhatsApp Web every six hours. This means that users will have to re-login to the service every six hours, which may cause inconvenience to some users.
The reason behind this move is to prevent the misuse of OTT messaging platforms for fraudulent activities. The government has been concerned about the rising instances of digital fraud, which include phishing, identity theft, and other types of online scams. By introducing SIM binding, the government hopes to make it more difficult for scammers to use fake or stolen identities to commit crimes.
The new rule will not only affect WhatsApp but also other OTT messaging platforms, including Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Signal. All these platforms will have to implement SIM binding to comply with the new directive. This may require significant changes to their systems and processes, which could take some time to implement.
The 90-day deadline for compliance is a relatively short period, which may pose a challenge for some OTT messaging platforms. These platforms will have to work quickly to implement the necessary changes to their systems and processes to adhere to the new rules. Failure to comply with the directive could result in penalties or even a ban on their services in India.
The move to introduce SIM binding for OTT messaging platforms is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to regulate the digital landscape in the country. The government has been concerned about the impact of digital technologies on society, including the spread of misinformation, online harassment, and digital fraud. By introducing new rules and regulations, the government hopes to create a safer and more secure online environment for Indian users.
In conclusion, the new rule introduced by the DoT will have a significant impact on Indian users of WhatsApp Web and other OTT messaging platforms. The automatic log-out feature every six hours may cause inconvenience to some users, but it is a necessary step to prevent digital fraud and ensure a safer online environment. As the Indian government continues to regulate the digital landscape, it is likely that we will see more changes in the way we use digital services in the country.
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