In response to a surge in international scam calls targeting Indian users, WhatsApp has intensified its efforts to combat this growing threat, following the intervention of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Ministry’s Notice to WhatsApp
Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced that the ministry would issue a notice to WhatsApp regarding the alarming increase in spam calls from international numbers received by Indian users. With WhatsApp boasting a user base of over 500 million in India, addressing this issue has become a priority for both the government and the messaging platform.
WhatsApp’s Commitment to User Safety
In light of the ministry’s concerns, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has affirmed its commitment to protecting user privacy and security. A spokesperson for the platform emphasized their alignment with the government’s objective of ensuring user safety, highlighting WhatsApp’s leadership in implementing end-to-end encryption for user protection.
Emerging Threat of International Scam Calls
The spokesperson acknowledged the emergence of international scam calls as a novel tactic employed by malicious actors. By enticing users with missed calls, scammers prompt unsuspecting individuals to return the calls or respond to messages, ultimately falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Leveraging AI and ML Technologies
WhatsApp is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to combat the proliferation of spam calls. While existing tools such as block and report provide some defense against scammers, the platform aims to enhance its capabilities further. By deploying advanced AI and ML systems, WhatsApp anticipates a substantial reduction in spam call rates, aiming to diminish the incidence of such fraudulent activities by at least 50%.
Ensuring User Safety
The platform remains committed to its ongoing efforts to safeguard users from various forms of digital threats. Through continuous refinement and enhancement of its AI and ML systems, WhatsApp endeavors to provide a safer and more secure messaging environment for its vast user base.
