New DelhiNow the whole game of messaging and social apps is going to change in the country because the Government of India has implemented such a rule in which as soon as your SIM becomes inactive for any reason, your WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal or any communication app will automatically log out within just 6 hours, This change has been made so that no person can use apps on a deactivated, wrong or registered SIM in someone else’s name,
Under the government’s new Telecommunications Cyber Security Rules, every app will now have to ensure that the SIM with which the account is created is in an active state with the user. Meaning, if the SIM is switched off, ported, blocked or the number is transferred to someone else’s name, then the system will automatically close the account.
What has changed and why
The new guideline of the government says that now every messaging or social app will have to keep the user’s account tied to his SIM. This is happening for the first time that apps are being given the same responsibility as telecom companies. The real objective is to stop fake number accounts, scams, SIM swap fraud and online identity changing activities.
The Department of Telecommunications says that in many cybercrime cases it was seen that criminals were using accounts created on closed or stolen SIMs for months. This is the reason why the government has made real time SIM based verification and auto logout system mandatory for apps.
Direct impact on users
After this rule, to keep any messaging account active, it will be necessary that your SIM is active and registered in your name. If the user gets a new SIM or changes the device, then verification will have to be done again on every app.
Many people who used to use WhatsApp or Telegram by keeping a secondary SIM for privacy, will no longer be able to do so because without an active SIM the account will be closed. The same users who have switched off their old number will also be locked out of the app after 6 hours and will not be able to login back without verification.
What is the responsibility of app companies
DoT has asked all TIUEs i.e. Telecom Identifier Using Entities to create a system in which the audit trail of every verification is secure. This means that app companies will now have to keep a record of every number change, every login, every SIM update and every verification.
Additionally, companies will also have to prove that their auto logout system is working in real time. If the SIM is inactive then the user’s account should be closed within 6 hours.
when will it come into effect
The government has given 120 days time to the app companies. Within this period they will have to implement the entire system and submit a report. There is a provision of strict penalty against any company which does not follow the rules under the Telecom Act 2023 and Cyber Security rules.
