A new Government of India rule that looks simple on paper may end up changing how many of us use WhatsApp for work and travel.
It is meant to strengthen digital safety. Apps used by crores of Indians need sensible guardrails. But the new DoT requirement that WhatsApp and Telegram must stay linked to the original SIM, and that WhatsApp Web must auto-log out every six hours, creates real friction for genuine users.
Many business leaders and founders I know use WhatsApp Web throughout the day. It is part of the workflow. A forced logout every six hours can break the rhythm, especially during meetings or long work sessions. I use WhatsApp mainly on my PC. Re-authenticating it again and again does not feel practical.
Travel adds another layer. When we travel abroad, many of us switch to a local SIM or rely on hotel Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges. Yet we stay reachable on our Indian number through WhatsApp. This new rule puts that convenience at risk because the app now depends on the original SIM being active in the phone.
The intent is understandable. The government wants to curb misuse by antisocial elements and keep communication platforms tied to verified identities. The challenge is implementation. It should not end up hurting those who use these tools responsibly.
I hope WhatsApp, Telegram, and the DoT can work out a middle path that meets security needs without disrupting everyday workflows for millions.
Discover more from Mangoidiots
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.