ISLAMABAD: PTA initiates closure of WhatsApp accounts that are linked to inactive mobile numbers. According to the sources, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in a decisive move alongside Meta, has initiated the permanent deactivation of recycled mobile numbers tied to inactive and cancelled subscriptions.
With telecom operators across Pakistan managing approximately 16 million recycled mobile numbers that are periodically reissued to new users, a critical digital loophole has long persisted.
Previously, when a cancelled SIM card was reassigned, the incoming subscriber could potentially access legacy WhatsApp profiles tied to that specific contact line.
To eliminate this vulnerability, the regulator has engineered a robust tracking framework. Under this collaborative protocol, Meta has already blocked 176,000 active WhatsApp accounts associated with these recycled mobile numbers, addressing a major conduit for digital fraud and unauthorized identity mapping.
As part of PTA measures to enhance cyber security, the initiative introduces an ongoing framework designed to safeguard personal data and mitigate online risks.
Telecommunications authorities note that scammers frequently exploit dormant digital profiles to commit financial fraud, blackmail, and data breaches.
By supplying Meta with extensive datasets—including an initial pool of 10 million recycled digits followed by a scheduled rollout of 5,000 numbers monthly—the partnership ensures continuous account screening.
This systematic purge significantly fortifies national defenses against cyber threats, establishing a safer environment for millions of digital consumers.
Ultimately, this joint regulatory enforcement safeguards consumer privacy and preserves trust in digital communication networks.
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Citizens are strongly encouraged to utilize WhatsApp’s built-in “Change Number” feature whenever transitioning to a new line, ensuring that legacy footprints tied to recycled mobile numbers do not compromise their personal security.
