India's WhatsApp Rules: Log Out Every 6 Hours?

India's government has implemented new directives for messaging applications, including WhatsApp, to enhance security and combat rising cyber fraud. These regulations, effective within 90 days of November 28, mandate that accounts remain continuously linked to an active SIM card. Furthermore, web and desktop versions will require users to log out every six hours, necessitating a QR code re-authentication.

These stringent measures are intended to restore traceability of numbers used in fraudulent activities, with India reporting significant cyber-fraud losses. However, digital advocacy groups and industry bodies, including Meta, have voiced concerns that the approach could lead to regulatory overreach and disrupt legitimate usage. WhatsApp, with over 500 million users in India, has become integral to personal communication and small-business commerce.

The impact is particularly concerning for small merchants using WhatsApp Business, who often manage customer interactions via web or desktop clients. Mandatory frequent logouts could break essential workflows for order processing and customer support. This comes as WhatsApp expands its multi-device capabilities, making the new Indian regulations a significant challenge for the platform in its largest market.