The exemplary embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium, a device, an integrated circuit and a method that perform operations related to a first user equipment (UE) configured with a sidelink (SL) connection with a second UE. The operations include generating an SL counter check request including at least a first count for data transmissions from the first UE to the second UE as determined by the first UE. The operations further include transmitting the request to the second UE and receiving a counter check response to the request, the response comprising at least a second count for data transmissions from the first UE to the second UE as determined by the second UE. The operations further include determining a first difference between the first count and the second count and, when the first difference exceeds a threshold, releasing the SL connection with the second UE.