WhatsApp Web users in India are in for a significant change: under new government rules introduced in 2025, the web version of WhatsApp will automatically log users out every six hours. This is part of a broader cybersecurity push by the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aimed at curbing digital fraud and ensuring apps remain continuously linked to an active SIM card.
Key Points About the New WhatsApp Web Auto-Logout Rules
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Auto-Logout Interval | Every 6 hours (users must re-scan QR code to log back in) |
| SIM Card Binding | WhatsApp accounts must stay linked to an active SIM card at all times |
| Compliance Deadline | Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal must comply within 90 days |
| Objective | Reduce online fraud, impersonation, and misuse via inactive SIM cards or multiple device abuse |
| Platforms Affected | WhatsApp Web and other companion web apps (Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, etc.) |
| Enforcement | Non-compliance risks action under Indian Telecom Cyber Security Rules and the Telecom Act, 2023 |
By classifying apps like WhatsApp as Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs), India now mandates verification standards similar to mobile networks. The new rules also require a continuous SIM presence to prevent anonymous misuse.
What This Means for Users: Practical Implications
- More Frequent Re-authentication: You’ll be signed out of WhatsApp Web automatically if inactive or after 6 hours, requiring QR code scanning again.
- No Usage Without Active SIM: If your phone does not have the registered SIM or it is offline/deactivated, WhatsApp stops functioning.
- Enhanced Security: Efforts to clamp down on scammers using inactive SIMs or foreign SIMs to exploit messaging services.
- Potential Inconvenience: Users who frequently switch devices or travel internationally may face disruptions.
- Industry Pushback: While telecom operators favor the move, privacy advocates warn about usability and privacy trade-offs.
How to Stay Smooth on WhatsApp Web Under the New Rules
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep SIM Active | Ensure your registered SIM card stays active in your phone during WhatsApp use |
| Prepare for Re-login | Expect to rescan QR code every 6 hours; keep your phone handy |
| Avoid Multiple Devices | Minimize switching devices to reduce login disruptions |
| Stay Updated | Keep WhatsApp and browser updated for security and compliance |
| Monitor Network Stability | Unstable network can cause unexpected logouts—use reliable internet connection |
Being prepared mitigates frustration while benefiting from enhanced security.
How to Watch More Tech Updates
For comprehensive tech news and updates on regulatory changes in India and beyond, visit technosports.co.in, your trusted source for verified tech stories and practical user guides.
FAQs
Q1: Why is WhatsApp Web logging out every 6 hours now?
Q2: Will this affect WhatsApp mobile app usage?
No direct impact on the mobile app, but if your SIM card is inactive or removed, the app may stop functioning. The auto-logout specifically targets WhatsApp Web and similar companion apps.
