PTA starts blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive SIMs

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive, cancelled or no-longer-used mobile SIM cards to prevent fraud and other unlawful activities.

The move follows an awareness campaign in which the PTA urged users to ensure their WhatsApp accounts were registered with active mobile numbers that remained in their possession and under their control.

The authority had warned in September that accounts associated with inactive SIMs could face blocking, saying some were being used for fraud and other illegal activities.

It had advised users to verify their SIM status and update their WhatsApp registration if they had changed their mobile numbers.

The PTA has also urged users to use WhatsApp’s “Change Number” feature to transfer their accounts to their current numbers rather than continue using numbers that are no longer active or under their control.

Why inactive SIMs pose a risk

Mobile numbers associated with inactive or cancelled SIM cards may eventually be reassigned to other subscribers. If a WhatsApp account remains registered to a number that has been reissued, its previous owner could lose control of the account or face potential security risks.

The PTA said that the action is aimed at reducing the possibility of such numbers being misused for fraud and other unlawful activities.

The regulator had issued similar warnings earlier this year, advising users to keep their accounts linked to active, properly registered SIMs and complete biometric verification where required.

In May, the PTA cautioned that WhatsApp accounts linked to blocked, cancelled, inactive or unregistered SIMs could become inaccessible. It reiterated the advice in subsequent public awareness messages, urging users not to wait until they lost access to their accounts before updating their details.

Users who have changed their numbers should update their WhatsApp registration promptly and ensure the number linked to the account is one they currently use and control.

The PTA has advised consumers to contact their mobile operator’s franchise or customer service centre if they need to verify their SIM registration or resolve an issue with an inactive number.