ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive, cancelled or unused SIMs will be blocked.
The PTA said the decision was taken after it was found that some WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive mobile numbers were being used for fraud and other illegal activities.
The authority said the process of blocking such WhatsApp accounts could begin at any time.
Prior to the decision, the PTA had conducted an awareness campaign for several weeks, urging users to ensure that the SIMs linked to their WhatsApp accounts were registered and active. Messages warning users that WhatsApp accounts linked to unregistered or inactive SIMs could be blocked were also played for several weeks in place of the standard calling tone when making mobile calls.
The PTA has advised users to link their WhatsApp accounts to their current and active mobile numbers.
Users who have changed their mobile numbers have also been advised to use WhatsApp’s ‘Change Number’ feature in a timely manner to retain control of their accounts.
The authority further urged users to verify the current status of their SIMs and take the necessary steps promptly if they find that any of their numbers are inactive.
According to the PTA, the action against WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive numbers is aimed at preventing fraud and improving digital security.
The decision could also affect Pakistanis living abroad who continue to use WhatsApp accounts registered with Pakistani SIMs without transferring them to a SIM issued in the country where they currently reside.
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