As the New Year begins, significant updates have come into effect, reshaping how users interact with digital payments, messaging apps, and streaming platforms. From increased transaction limits for UPI payments to new restrictions on WhatsApp and Amazon Prime Video, these changes aim to enhance convenience, security, and compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the updates effective January 1, 2025.
1. UPI 123Pay Limit Increased
In a user-centric move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has doubled the transaction limit for UPI 123Pay, the payment service designed for feature phone users.
- Previous Limit: ₹5,000 per transaction.
- New Limit: ₹10,000 per transaction.
For smartphone users, the daily transaction cap remains at ₹1 lakh, while specific essential services, such as hospital payments, benefit from an extended limit of up to ₹5 lakh. This change is expected to boost financial inclusion by making digital payments more accessible to a wider audience, particularly in rural areas.
2. WhatsApp Ends Support for Older Smartphones
Starting today, WhatsApp has ceased functionality on devices running Android KitKat, an operating system released over a decade ago. This move by Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, prioritizes security by phasing out support for outdated systems prone to vulnerabilities.
Impacted Devices:
- Older models from popular brands such as Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony running on Android KitKat are now incompatible.
- Users of these devices must upgrade to smartphones with newer operating systems to continue using WhatsApp.
This update underscores Meta’s commitment to maintaining a secure messaging environment while encouraging users to adopt modern, more secure technologies.
3. Amazon Prime Video Device Limit Introduced
Amazon Prime Video has introduced new restrictions on simultaneous streaming, targeting users who access content on multiple devices.
- New Limit: Streaming is now capped at two TVs simultaneously.
- Exceeding Limit: Users wishing to stream on more than two TVs must purchase an additional membership.
The company has not clarified whether this restriction applies to mobile devices, leaving room for interpretation. This move is likely aimed at curbing account sharing while maintaining subscription revenues.
4. DoT’s Initiative to Combat SIM Card Misuse
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken proactive steps to address the rising cybercrime threats linked to SIM card misuse.
- A comprehensive blacklist is being prepared, targeting individuals involved in fraudulent activities, including obtaining SIM cards in others’ names.
- This initiative aims to safeguard millions of mobile users from potential cyber threats and reinforce trust in mobile services.