Indian Regulations Require WhatsApp Web to Auto-Logout Users Every Six Hours

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a new directive mandating that messaging platforms — including WhatsApp — log users out of their web sessions every six hours.

The order requires that the SIM card used during registration must remain tied to web-based messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, ShareChat, and others. Because the service must stay linked to the physical SIM inside the phone, companion platforms like WhatsApp Web will be forced to log users out every six hours once the rule comes into effect.

According to the DoT circular, users will also not be able to access these messaging apps within 90 days unless the original SIM is present in the device. All platforms have been instructed to submit a compliance report within four months.

The rule is expected to significantly impact the seamless multi-device use enjoyed by millions who keep WhatsApp Web active throughout the workday. Authorities argue that the step is necessary to curb cybercrimes, as fraudsters were increasingly misusing messaging services remotely without having the SIM card physically available — sometimes operating from outside India.

Mandatory SIM binding will allow law-enforcement agencies to trace messaging activity to a specific subscriber.

The directive stems from the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, which introduced the concept of a Telecommunication Identifier User Entity. Under these rules, platforms will require access to the SIM’s International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), meaning global apps like WhatsApp will need to redesign parts of their infrastructure specifically for Indian users.

Technology companies have expressed concerns that continual SIM verification and six-hour auto-logouts will harm user privacy, disrupt multi-device functionality, and complicate access for travellers. Telecom operators, however, have supported the measure.

With inputs from IANS