New rules: Which users lose WhatsApp access?

NEW DELHI: The Indian government has introduced strict new cybersecurity rules, under which WhatsApp and all other messaging apps will no longer work without an active SIM card.

According to foreign media, under the Cybersecurity Rules 2025, platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Snapchat must remain linked to a functioning SIM at all times.

If the SIM in a user’s phone becomes inactive, is removed, or replaced, the app will immediately stop working.

The government has given messaging platforms 90 days to comply with the new regulations. Under the updated system, users will also be logged out every six hours and will have to scan a QR code to log back in.

Officials say the move aims to curb cybercrime, as many scammers use blocked or inactive SIM cards from abroad to commit fraud in India, making them difficult to trace.

The decision has sparked debate among experts. Some say it is an important step toward improving traceability, while others argue it will not be enough.

Critics point out that new SIM cards can still be obtained using fake or borrowed identities, meaning SIM-binding alone cannot completely stop fraud.

Questions are also being raised about the accuracy of India’s telecom subscriber database, as identity fraud remained widespread in 2023 despite video-KYC and biometric verification.