The decision, which may seem inconvenient to some, is being implemented to protect users from cyberattacks.

Starting this month, messaging apps in India will only work with an active SIM or e-SIM card on the phone.

The changes will affect platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai, and Josh.

The shift was enforced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to combat fraud and enhance digital security, and protect users from SIM-swap scams and impersonation attacks, reports 91mobiles.

Users in India who want to continue using these messaging platforms need to ensure their accounts are linked to their SIM or eSIM. Otherwise, the messaging apps won’t work.

If the user removes their SIM or eSIM, they will no longer be able to use apps such as WhatsApp to access services until they insert the card again.

The changes will also apply to users who use website versions of these apps. WhatsApp and Telegram will log people out every 6 hours and require them to sign in by scanning a QR code on their phone.

The change may inconvenience those who often swap cards or travel frequently, as they will need to plan ahead to keep their number active on their device.

The regulation was actually adopted last year, giving companies 90 days to comply, with the last day being February 28th.

The messaging platforms were also given 120 days to submit their compliance reports.

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