Digital Rule Changes / From January 1, the rules related to UPI, WhatsApp and Amazon Prime have changed

Digital Rule Changes: Many important changes related to digital payments, instant messaging and OTT platforms have come into effect from January 1, 2025. Reserve Bank of India (RBI), WhatsApp and Amazon Prime have implemented new rules for their respective users. Let's take a look at these changes and understand how they will affect our digital experience.

UPI 123Pay: Relief for feature phone users

RBI has doubled the transaction limit for feature phone users through UPI 123Pay. Earlier, up to Rs 5,000 could be paid under this facility, which has now increased to Rs 10,000.

Smartphone users: The daily limit remains at Rs 1 lakh.

Exemption in special circumstances: The limit of UPI payment for hospital bills or other essential services has been increased to Rs 5 lakh.

This step has been taken with the aim of promoting digital financial inclusion and providing more facilities to feature phone users in rural areas.

WhatsApp: Support for old smartphones ends

From today, WhatsApp has stopped working on some old smartphones. Especially devices based on Android KitKat operating system will no longer be able to use this messaging app.

Affected devices: Very few smartphones from brands like Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony now fall into this category.

Reason: Security and performance problems in older operating systems.

WhatsApp users will now have to switch to a new device so that they can continue to use all the features of this platform.

Amazon Prime Video: Device limit applicable

Amazon Prime Video has also changed its service from the new year.

New rule: Now Prime Video can be accessed only on two TVs from one account.

Use on more devices: If users want to watch it on more than two TVs, they will have to take a separate membership.

Mobile devices: At present, no device limit has been announced for mobile.

This step has been taken to give users a more systematic experience of the service like other OTT platforms.

Impact of new rules

UPI changes: Will make digital payments easier and more accessible, especially in rural and resource-limited areas.

WhatsApp update: Users of older devices may face problems, but upgrades to new devices will provide better security and features.

Amazon Prime: Family users may have to change plans to use the service more effectively.

These changes with the new year are aimed at making digital services more secure and user-friendly. It will be interesting to see how users adopt these new rules.