New government orders mandate communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to enforce stricter login protocols. Users will face automatic logouts from desktop versions every six hours, requiring QR code re-authentication. Smartphone access will also be restricted to the original SIM card used for registration, aiming to curb cyber fraud and enhance security. Representative Image NEW DELHI: In just under three months, you will not be able to maintain your desktop/computer login on communication apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Snapchat for more than six hours at a stretch. You will have to re-login using the QR code provided by the app provider. Also, if you try to log into your communication apps on smartphones without the SIM card on which you first downloaded the app, it will not connect.This follows new orders issued by govt that say that communication apps should not allow connections on smartphones where the SIM card on which the user was originally identified is missing. The move is being taken to counter cyber fraud. Companies have to comply or face penalties. “Failure to comply with these directions shall attract action under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 , the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 (as amended), and other applicable laws,” govt said.The department of telecom said the current set-up was being misused by cyber fraudsters. “… it has come to the notice of central govt that some of the app-based communication services that are utilizing mobile number for identification of its customers/users or for provisioning or delivery of services, allows users to consume their services without availability of the underlying Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) within the device in which app-based communication services is running,” the department of telecom said, adding that the feature was posing a challenge to telecom cyber security “as it is being misused from outside the country to commit cyber-frauds”.DoT said it had become necessary to issue the directions to prevent the misuse of telecommunication identifiers and to safeguard the integrity and security of the telecom ecosystem. DoT issued the orders on Nov 21. “From 90 days of issue of these instructions, ensure that the app-based communication services are continuously linked to the SIM card (associated with mobile number used for identification of customers/users or for provisioning or delivery of services) installed in the device, making it impossible to use the app without that specific, active SIM,” it said.On the web service on computers, it said, “From 90 days of issue of these instructions, ensure the web service instance of the mobile app, if provided, shall be logged out periodically (not later than 6 hours) and allow the facility to the user to re-link the device using QR code.” It asked the companies to submit compliance reports within 120 days from the issue of the directions.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAjeya Warrior-25 Wraps Up As India-UK Forces Boost Counter-Terror SynergyAt Least 11 Dead, 20 Injured in Head-On Collision Between Two Govt Buses in Tamil Nadu’s SivagangaUncertainty Over Pakistan’s Top Military Post Could Trigger Conflict: AnalystPak Handler Shahzad Bhatti Directed Gurdaspur Grenade Attack: Special Cell‘Stay Mentally Prepared’: Rajnath Singh’s Remark Fuels Talk Of Another Operation Sindoor‘4,000 Soldier Deaths, 20,000 Injured’: Pak FM Ishaq Dar Blames Taliban For Troop LossesAirbus A320 Glitch: Ex-IAF Pilot Shows How ELAC 2 Fails In Real-Time Flight Simulation‘Can’t Make Someone Disappear’: Shashi Tharoor Calls Out Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Death RumoursPolitics Increasingly ‘Trumps’ Economics: EAM Jaishankar’s Veiled Swipe At US Amid Trade Tensions4 Dead, 1 Injured As Fire Engulfs Four-Storey Building In South Delhi123PhotostoriesPriyanka Chopra’s roles that celebrate grit identity and constant reinventionPregnant Bharti Singh stuns in a gorgeous maternity photoshoot, flaunting her baby bump; see pics7 banana breakfast dishes from around the world9 traditional Kheer variants to keep you warm this winterChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 7 common mistakes people commit while making dosa and how to rectify them5 easy and effective ways to save more time daily4 infused water remedies for everyday health issues and how to make them at homeHow this rare island reptile became the world’s biggest lizard and a powerful hunterExclusive – Diya Aur Baati Hum fame Vindhya Tiwari drops dreamy wedding photos with Ashish Lohra; says ‘Chose Nov 25 to match Lord Ram and Sita ji’s wedding day’How to make Dahi ke Kebab for evening snacking123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGiannis AntetokounmpoBo BichetteED SheeranMLB Trade RumorsStefon diggsSouth Delhi SuicideBike Driver Account Udaipur EDAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerJammie Booker
NEW DELHI: In just under three months, you will not be able to maintain your desktop/computer login on communication apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Snapchat for more than six hours at a stretch. You will have to re-login using the QR code provided by the app provider. Also, if you try to log into your communication apps on smartphones without the SIM card on which you first downloaded the app, it will not connect.This follows new orders issued by govt that say that communication apps should not allow connections on smartphones where the SIM card on which the user was originally identified is missing. The move is being taken to counter cyber fraud. Companies have to comply or face penalties. “Failure to comply with these directions shall attract action under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 , the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 (as amended), and other applicable laws,” govt said.The department of telecom said the current set-up was being misused by cyber fraudsters. “… it has come to the notice of central govt that some of the app-based communication services that are utilizing mobile number for identification of its customers/users or for provisioning or delivery of services, allows users to consume their services without availability of the underlying Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) within the device in which app-based communication services is running,” the department of telecom said, adding that the feature was posing a challenge to telecom cyber security “as it is being misused from outside the country to commit cyber-frauds”.DoT said it had become necessary to issue the directions to prevent the misuse of telecommunication identifiers and to safeguard the integrity and security of the telecom ecosystem. DoT issued the orders on Nov 21. “From 90 days of issue of these instructions, ensure that the app-based communication services are continuously linked to the SIM card (associated with mobile number used for identification of customers/users or for provisioning or delivery of services) installed in the device, making it impossible to use the app without that specific, active SIM,” it said.On the web service on computers, it said, “From 90 days of issue of these instructions, ensure the web service instance of the mobile app, if provided, shall be logged out periodically (not later than 6 hours) and allow the facility to the user to re-link the device using QR code.” It asked the companies to submit compliance reports within 120 days from the issue of the directions.
