WhatsApp Web to log Indian users out every 6 hours after new govt rules
The Indian government has introduced a new set of rules to combat the rising cases of digital fraud in the country. As a result, WhatsApp and other messaging platforms’ web services will no longer be available uninterrupted to users in India. According to the latest directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), users will be logged out every six hours, marking a significant change in the way Indians use these platforms.
The new rules mandate SIM binding, which requires Over-The-Top (OTT) messaging platforms to ensure that users’ accounts are linked to their mobile numbers. This move is aimed at preventing fraudulent activities, such as phishing and spamming, which have become increasingly common on these platforms. The government has given OTT messaging platforms 90 days to comply with the new directive, which is expected to have a significant impact on the way Indians use WhatsApp and other similar services.
The concept of SIM binding is not new, as it is already in use in several countries. However, its implementation in India is expected to be more stringent, given the country’s large user base and the growing concern over digital fraud. By linking users’ accounts to their mobile numbers, the government hopes to create a more secure and transparent environment for online communication.
So, how will the new rules affect WhatsApp users in India? For starters, users will need to verify their mobile numbers to continue using the service. This can be done through a one-time password (OTP) sent to the user’s mobile number. Once the verification process is complete, users will be able to access WhatsApp Web, but with a caveat – they will be logged out every six hours.
The automatic log-out feature is designed to prevent unauthorized access to users’ accounts. By requiring users to re-verify their mobile numbers every six hours, the government hopes to prevent hackers and scammers from gaining access to sensitive information. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it is expected to have a significant impact on the way Indians use WhatsApp and other messaging platforms.
The new rules have sparked a debate over the balance between security and convenience. On the one hand, the government’s efforts to combat digital fraud are laudable, given the growing concern over online safety. On the other hand, the automatic log-out feature may be seen as an inconvenience by many users, particularly those who rely on WhatsApp Web for work or other purposes.
It is worth noting that the new rules will not only affect WhatsApp, but also other OTT messaging platforms, such as Signal and Telegram. These platforms will also need to comply with the SIM binding directive, which may require them to make significant changes to their services.
In conclusion, the new government rules are expected to have a significant impact on the way Indians use WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. While the rules are designed to combat digital fraud, they may also be seen as an inconvenience by many users. As the country moves towards a more secure and transparent online environment, it is essential to strike a balance between security and convenience.
The implementation of the new rules will be closely watched, particularly in the context of India’s growing digital economy. As the government continues to introduce new regulations to combat digital fraud, it is essential to ensure that these rules do not stifle innovation or hinder the growth of the digital sector.
In the meantime, WhatsApp users in India can expect to be logged out every six hours, as the platform complies with the new government directive. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it is an important step towards creating a more secure and transparent online environment.
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