WhatsApp Web to now log you out every 6 hours as per government directive

The convenience of staying permanently logged into WhatsApp Web is coming to an end due to a significant new directive from the Indian government's Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Under upcoming cybersecurity regulations, messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram will be required to automatically log users out of their desktop and web sessions every six hours. This regulation, part of the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, aims to tackle the rising instances of digital fraud and cybercrime that have plagued the nation. Officials have highlighted that scammers often exploit the existing system, which allows accounts to remain active even after a registered SIM card has been removed or deactivated, facilitating illicit activities from abroad. To address this issue, the DoT is implementing a stringent "SIM binding" protocol. This mandates that messaging applications must consistently verify that the active SIM card is physically present in the user's mobile device. If the SIM card is removed or replaced, the application will no longer function. For users of WhatsApp Web or the desktop application, this means facing a compulsory logout at least every six hours. To continue using the service, users will need to re-authenticate their sessions by scanning a QR code with their mobile device, ensuring that the individual utilizing the desktop client is indeed the legitimate account holder possessing the physical SIM card. While the government defends this initiative as essential for protecting the telecom sector and improving criminal traceability, it has raised concerns among industry professionals and users alike. Critics argue that this new requirement, which must be enacted within ninety days, could disrupt workflows and cause inconvenience, particularly for those who depend on uninterrupted desktop messaging during their work hours.