Indian WhatsApp May Stop Working Abroad: New DoT Rules Raise Concerns for Users in These Countries

The Government of India has introduced a major policy change that will directly affect how Indians use WhatsApp and other messaging apps—both inside the country and abroad. According to the new Department of Telecommunications (DoT) rule, WhatsApp services must automatically log out the moment a user removes their SIM card from the device.

This means no WhatsApp access without an active SIM card, raising concerns for NRIs, travellers, office workers and users in weak-network regions.

DoT Announces Strict New Rules for Messaging Apps

Under the new directive, all messaging apps operating in India must:

• Log out the account immediately when the SIM card is removed.
• Re-authenticate every 6 hours on WhatsApp Web and other desktop-based messaging platforms.
• Allow access only on the device that has the active SIM used for the account.
• Verify SIM connectivity regularly, and apps must comply within 90 days.

DoT says this step is aimed at strengthening user safety — but it could create widespread inconvenience across the country.

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Big Impact on Indians Living Abroad

One of the biggest concerns revolves around Indians living in Dubai, Qatar, Canada, USA and other countries who use their Indian WhatsApp number for communication.

What will happen?

• As soon as the network changes or the Indian SIM loses connectivity,
  WhatsApp will repeatedly ask for verification.
• If the SIM stays inactive,
  the account will automatically log out.
• This could make it nearly impossible to use Indian WhatsApp numbers from abroad.

For millions of NRIs, this rule could turn everyday WhatsApp usage into a stressful experience.

SIM Replacement Will Trigger Immediate Logout

The new rule will also cause difficulties for users who:

• Swap SIM cards in dual-SIM phones
• Replace a lost SIM
• Temporarily switch SIMs while travelling

In all these situations, WhatsApp access will stop instantly until the new SIM is verified again.

While this increases security in case of theft, it may disrupt regular users who frequently switch SIMs.

Office Employees to Face Repeated Logins

Many offices, media organisations, call centres and customer-support teams use WhatsApp Web for hours every day.

Under the new rule, they must:

• Re-scan the QR code
• Re-authenticate the session
• Log in again every 6 hours

This could interrupt workflow and reduce productivity, especially in sectors that rely heavily on WhatsApp for communication.

Weak Network Areas Will Suffer the Most

People living in:

• Rural regions
• Hilly districts
• Border areas
• Network-fluctuation zones

…may face constant logouts.

Whenever the signal drops, WhatsApp may fail to verify SIM activity, causing repeated interruptions.

Experts Ask: How Will WhatsApp Implement This?

Tech analysts say WhatsApp currently does not track SIM activity, raising a key question:

How will the app verify whether the SIM is active or removed?

To comply with the rule, WhatsApp may need to add new features that constantly check:

• IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)
• SIM status
• Active network authentication

This would require major technical changes within the app.

Impact on Telecom and Messaging Ecosystem

Experts believe this new rule may:

• Push some users back to SMS and traditional calling
• Increase telecom companies’ revenue
• Strengthen government monitoring on messaging platforms
• Reduce misuse related to anonymity, fraud and illegal activities

The government argues this step is essential for national security and user protection.

India Awaits WhatsApp’s Response

This new rule places a massive responsibility on both users and the company.
Millions are now waiting to see how WhatsApp will update its policies and app features to match the DoT’s directive.

For now, one thing is clear —
Indian WhatsApp numbers may soon become difficult to use outside India, and office workers may face frequent interruptions.