The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking WhatsApp accounts associated with inactive or cancelled SIM cards to prevent the potential misuse of mobile numbers.
According to PTA officials, the move aims to protect users from unauthorized access to WhatsApp accounts linked to mobile numbers that are no longer in their original owners’ possession or use.
The authority has advised WhatsApp users to verify the mobile numbers linked to their accounts and ensure that they are registered on active SIM cards under their own use.
PTA officials warned that telecom operators may reissue inactive mobile numbers to new customers in the future.
This could create security risks, including the possibility of unauthorized access to WhatsApp accounts belonging to previous users.
Users who have changed their mobile numbers have been advised to use WhatsApp’s ‘Change Number’ feature to transfer their accounts to a new, active number.
The PTA has urged users to take the necessary steps to secure their accounts and avoid potential misuse of their personal information.
