WhatsApp Web to log Indian users out every 6 hours after new govt rules
In a move to combat rising digital fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated SIM binding for messaging platforms, including WhatsApp. This new directive will affect the way Indian users access WhatsApp Web, a service that allows users to access their WhatsApp account on their computers. According to the government directive, users will be logged out of WhatsApp Web every six hours, disrupting the uninterrupted service that users have grown accustomed to.
The new rule is part of the government’s efforts to curb digital fraud, which has been on the rise in recent years. With the increasing use of online services, including messaging platforms, the risk of fraud and cybercrime has also increased. The government has been looking for ways to mitigate this risk, and SIM binding is seen as a key measure to prevent fraudsters from using messaging platforms to carry out their activities.
The SIM binding directive requires OTT (Over-The-Top) messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, to ensure that users can only access their accounts on a device that is linked to their SIM card. This means that users will no longer be able to access their WhatsApp account on multiple devices without verifying their SIM card. The directive is aimed at preventing fraudsters from creating fake accounts and using them to carry out fraudulent activities.
The impact of this directive will be felt most by users who rely on WhatsApp Web to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. WhatsApp Web allows users to access their WhatsApp account on their computer, making it easier to chat with others while working or studying. However, with the new directive, users will be logged out of WhatsApp Web every six hours, requiring them to re-verify their SIM card to continue using the service.
The logging out of users every six hours is likely to cause inconvenience to many, especially those who use WhatsApp Web for work or other important purposes. Users will have to re-verify their SIM card every six hours to continue using the service, which could be time-consuming and frustrating. The directive is also likely to affect businesses that rely on WhatsApp Web to communicate with customers or colleagues.
The government has given OTT messaging platforms 90 days to comply with the new directive. This means that WhatsApp and other messaging platforms will have to implement the SIM binding feature within the next three months. The directive is part of the government’s efforts to regulate the use of online services and prevent digital fraud.
The move has been welcomed by many as a step in the right direction to combat digital fraud. However, some have expressed concerns about the impact of the directive on users. The logging out of users every six hours could be seen as an inconvenience, and some may argue that it is an overreach by the government.
In conclusion, the new government directive mandating SIM binding for messaging platforms will have a significant impact on the way Indian users access WhatsApp Web. The logging out of users every six hours will require users to re-verify their SIM card, which could be time-consuming and frustrating. While the directive is aimed at combating digital fraud, it is likely to cause inconvenience to many users. As the government continues to regulate the use of online services, it is essential to strike a balance between security and convenience.
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