PTA to block WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive SIMs

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced to block WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive, cancelled or unused mobile SIMs, saying some such accounts were being used for fraud and other illegal activities.

The regulator said that the process could begin at any time and urged users to ensure their WhatsApp accounts were linked to active mobile numbers.

The authority announced the measure after conducting an awareness campaign for several weeks.

The PTA has advised users to register and activate the SIMs linked to their WhatsApp accounts.

The PTA said that messages warning users that WhatsApp accounts associated with unregistered or inactive SIMs could be blocked were also played in place of the normal calling tone when making calls from mobile phones.

The regulator has advised users who had changed their mobile numbers to use WhatsApp’s “Change Number” feature promptly to retain control of their accounts.

It has also urged consumers to verify the status of their SIMs and take timely action if any of their registered numbers were inactive.

The PTA said that the measure was aimed at curbing fraud and other unlawful activities while strengthening digital security.

The move could also affect Pakistanis living abroad who continue to use WhatsApp accounts created with Pakistani SIMs without transferring them to an active SIM from the country where they currently reside.

Users are have been advised to ensure that the mobile number associated with their WhatsApp account remains active and under their control to avoid losing access to the account.