IT ministry to send notice to WhatsApp on international spam calls issue
1 year, 7 months ago

IT ministry to send notice to WhatsApp on international spam calls issue

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: The IT ministry will send a notice to WhatsApp on the issue of spam calls from unknown international numbers, Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday said, asserting that the onus of ensuring user safety lies with the digital platforms. The digital platforms are responsible and accountable for ensuring the safety of 'digital nagriks', the minister said, adding that the government will respond to every instance of alleged misuse or alleged breach of users' privacy. The minister's comments assume significance as WhatsApp users in India have reported a massive surge in incoming international spam calls over the past few days. In a tweet, the minister had said the government will examine the alleged breach of privacy even as the new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill was being readied.

Digital Minister Issue Platforms Ministry Users Whatsapp Sro  alleged  whatsapp  platforms  ministry  international  privacy  spam  minister  notice  send  users  digital  safety  issue  calls

History of this topic

WhatsApp Scams: Government asks Meta to tackle cases of cyber frauds after TRAI's appeal
2 weeks, 3 days ago

WhatsApp Scams: Government asks Meta to tackle cases of cyber frauds after TRAI's appeal

Live Mint  

Indian government has asked Meta to tackle the growing scams on WhatsApp. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology secretary S Krishnan confirmed that the government had taken up the matter of growing scams with WhatsApp while noting that its an ongoing process. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Anil Kumar Lahoti also confirmed to Economic Times that WhatsApp calls are handled …

Code shared, account snared: The six-digit WhatsApp scam that has caught even celebs in its web
2 weeks, 5 days ago

Code shared, account snared: The six-digit WhatsApp scam that has caught even celebs in its web

New Indian Express  

That's the number of WhatsApp users in India. From discussing life's gravest crises to cracking jokes, sharing memes and catching up with family and friends, it’s where conversations happen, memories are shared, and connections thrive. This isn't just a hypothetical situation or a nightmare – it's the reality for a growing number of people in India as WhatsApp hacking cases …

Himachal cyber police warns against scams through wedding invites on WhatsApp
1 month, 1 week ago

Himachal cyber police warns against scams through wedding invites on WhatsApp

India Today  

The Himachal Pradesh Police has warned against cyber scams using wedding invites sent to people on WhatsApp. In the wake of an alarming rise in the number of cyber scams across the country, Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police has issued an advisory for residents, asking them to exercise extra caution in case they receive messages and calls from unknown numbers, especially …

WhatsApp threatens to exit India: What are new IT rules on tracing originator
7 months, 4 weeks ago

WhatsApp threatens to exit India: What are new IT rules on tracing originator

Hindustan Times  

WhatsApp, owned by its parent company Meta Inc., has threatened to leave India if it is forced to break encryption of messages and calls on its instant messaging platform. “As a platform, we are saying, if we are told to break encryption, then WhatsApp goes,” the lawyer appearing for WhatsApp told the Delhi high court. It means millions and millions …

Govt Cautions Mobile Users to be Wary of Receiving Calls from Foreign Numbers
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Govt Cautions Mobile Users to be Wary of Receiving Calls from Foreign Numbers

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: In a bid to check fake calls as well as cyber frauds, the government on Friday cautioned mobile users to be wary of receiving calls from foreign numbers, such as those starting with +92, on their WhatsApp. It further advised the users not to disclose any information if they receive calls from individuals claiming to be government officials …

Bulk WhatsApp messages with PM letter MCC violation, says Congress
9 months ago

Bulk WhatsApp messages with PM letter MCC violation, says Congress

The Hindu  

Several people in India — and some abroad — have received messages over the weekend through Monday from “Viksit Bharat Sampark,” a series of verified WhatsApp Business accounts with different phone numbers, with a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The letter from Mr. Modi lists several government schemes, sought ideas and suggestions from the public, and thanked them for …

AIIMS Delhi shares WhatsApp number to alert hospital administration about touts
10 months ago

AIIMS Delhi shares WhatsApp number to alert hospital administration about touts

India TV News  

Cracking the whip on unauthorised individuals who exploit patients at the AIIMS Delhi, the hospital administration on Wednesday shared a WhatsApp number on which people can send complaints and evidence related to fleecing or seeking bribes. "This number will not entertain routine grievances but shall only take cognisance of the complaints related to fleecing of patients by touts/agents or for …

Cyber fraudsters send WhatsApp messages in Collectors’ names, demand money from officers
1 year ago

Cyber fraudsters send WhatsApp messages in Collectors’ names, demand money from officers

The Hindu  

Cyber fraudsters have been sending messages to government officers impersonating higher officials like the Collector and SP and asking for money. ‘’The cyber fraudsters used my photo as their WhatsApp Display Picture to make the request look genuine,’‘ Mr. Venugopal Reddy told The Hindu over the phone on Saturday. Meanwhile, in Vijayawada also, miscreants created a Whatsapp group with the …

Call me when you see this message: New WhatsApp scam involving fake employers from US on a rise
1 year, 3 months ago

Call me when you see this message: New WhatsApp scam involving fake employers from US on a rise

India Today  

A new WhatsApp scam involving fake employers pretending from the US is on a rise.The scammers are using fake phone numbers from the United States to call and deceive people. These scammers pretend to be important people from work, like bosses or colleagues and sometimes senior executives of big companies. As per IANS report, employees who used to work at …

WhatsApp hacking scam: Here is how you can keep your account safe from scammers
1 year, 4 months ago

WhatsApp hacking scam: Here is how you can keep your account safe from scammers

India Today  

In the past few months, the country has been witnessing a surge in online scam cases. More recently, the Kolkata Police cyber cell issued an alert about a new kind of scam, where scammers are hacking Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to extort money. How scammers are hacking WhatsApp The reported incidents first came into light around World Yoga Day on …

Law panel cautions people against fraudulent Whatsapp messages and calls in its name over UCC issue
1 year, 5 months ago

Law panel cautions people against fraudulent Whatsapp messages and calls in its name over UCC issue

The Hindu  

The Law Commission on July 7 cautioned people against fraudulent WhatsApp messages and calls in its name pertaining to the Uniform Civil Code. In its disclaimer, the law panel referred to "certain WhatsApp texts, calls, and messages" being circulated pertaining to the UCC. It is clarified that the Law Commission has no involvement or connection with these texts, calls, or …

WhatsApp Brings New Feature That Would Silence Incoming Calls From Unknown Callers
1 year, 6 months ago

WhatsApp Brings New Feature That Would Silence Incoming Calls From Unknown Callers

ABP News  

Whatsapp has introduced a much-needed privacy feature that would allow users to silence calls from unknown contacts on the platform, thus, giving them better control over their privacy. “You can now automatically silence incoming calls from unknown contacts on WhatsApp for even more privacy and control," Zuckerberg announced in a Facebook post. Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar took …

WhatsApp introduces a global security centre to safeguard users
1 year, 6 months ago

WhatsApp introduces a global security centre to safeguard users

India TV News  

WhatsApp, a Meta-owned social media platform launched a new global security centre for users to learn more about how to protect themselves against spammers and unwanted contact, as it faces scrutiny over the menace of international spam calls and messages. About international spam calls Last month, the instant messaging platform responded to the problem of international scam calls in India …

WhatsApp Accounts Registered Using Fraudulent Numbers Will Be Disabled: Ashwini Vaishnaw
1 year, 7 months ago

WhatsApp Accounts Registered Using Fraudulent Numbers Will Be Disabled: Ashwini Vaishnaw

ABP News  

Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that Meta-owned WhatsApp has agreed to disable a WhatsApp account from its messaging platform if that number is found to be a fraudulent connection. “We have actively engaged with WhatsApp and they have agreed that yes, customer safety is most important, and they are absolutely on board to deregister the …

Telecom Bill should be finalised by July: Vaishnaw
1 year, 7 months ago

Telecom Bill should be finalised by July: Vaishnaw

The Hindu  

The Indian Telecommunication Bill, a draft version of which was released late last year for public comment, should ideally take its final form by July, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters on Tuesday. Fraudulent connections Mr. Vaishnaw was announcing the release of the Sanchar Saathi portal, a website that brings together initiatives the government …

WhatsApp expresses gratitude to the IT Minister for user safety initiatives: Know more
1 year, 7 months ago

WhatsApp expresses gratitude to the IT Minister for user safety initiatives: Know more

India TV News  

WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Meta, expressed its gratitude on Tuesday for the recognition of its unwavering dedication to user safety in India. During the launch, Vaishnaw highlighted WhatsApp's collaboration with the government in ensuring the safety of its customers, emphasizing the company's commitment to user security. WhatsApp spokesperson said, "We are grateful for the minister's acknowledgement of WhatsApp's …

What’s happening to WhatsApp, and how to stay safe
1 year, 7 months ago

What’s happening to WhatsApp, and how to stay safe

Live Mint  

Once an innovative instant messaging service, WhatsApp today offers businesses one of the most effective ways to reach users. A host of users have reported getting spam and scam calls and messages from unknown international numbers on WhatsApp. Many scams on WhatsApp lead users to Telegram, another platform that offers encrypted messaging. Users should block and report unknown callers and …

WhatsApp plans to use AI to deal with international scam calls after Indian IT Ministry calls them out
1 year, 7 months ago

WhatsApp plans to use AI to deal with international scam calls after Indian IT Ministry calls them out

Firstpost  

In response to the rise in spam calls from international numbers, the popular messaging app WhatsApp is taking action to address the issue. The increased occurrence of these spam calls has affected a significant number of Indian WhatsApp users, considering the app’s massive user base of over 500 million in India. The government has taken note of the issue of …

WhatsApp beefs up detection for spam calls amid spurt
1 year, 7 months ago

WhatsApp beefs up detection for spam calls amid spurt

The Hindu  

WhatsApp has taken notice of reports of spam calls and missed calls from unknown numbers, many of them from foreign STD codes, and is ramping up its detection of such calls, the company said in a statement on Thursday. “Our new enforcement will reduce the current calling rate by at least 50% and we expect to be able to control …

New AI ML Systems Reduce International Spam Pesky Calls 50 Per Cent WhatsApp Meta Privacy Jobs Lure Scam
1 year, 7 months ago

New AI ML Systems Reduce International Spam Pesky Calls 50 Per Cent WhatsApp Meta Privacy Jobs Lure Scam

ABP News  

Reacting to a growing number of pesky calls from international numbers in India, WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging platform on Thursday announced it has implemented new artificial intelligence and machine learning systems that will reduce such calls by at least 50 per cent. This development comes after Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the ministry will …

IT Ministry to send notice to WhatsApp on international spam calls issue: Chandrasekhar
1 year, 7 months ago

IT Ministry to send notice to WhatsApp on international spam calls issue: Chandrasekhar

The Hindu  

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will send a notice to WhatsApp on the issue of spam calls from unknown international numbers, Minister of State for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Thursday, asserting that the onus of ensuring user safety lies with digital platforms. The digital platforms are responsible and accountable for ensuring the safety of “digital nagriks”, …

Engg Director claims WhatsApp using microphone while asleep, IT Minister responds
1 year, 7 months ago

Engg Director claims WhatsApp using microphone while asleep, IT Minister responds

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: Following a complaint made by a smartphone user with WhatsApp in his mobile phone claiming that WhatsApp accessed the microphone during his sleep, the government on Wednesday said that it would take a swift action in this matter and investigate the claim of the smartphone users while the phone was not in use. In fact, the matter came …

Will investigate WhatsApp's ‘unacceptable’ breach of privacy: IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar
1 year, 7 months ago

Will investigate WhatsApp's ‘unacceptable’ breach of privacy: IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Hindustan Times  

The government will investigate a claim that WhatsApp accessed the microphone of smartphone users while the phone was not in use, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday. Replying to a Twitter user's claim that WhatsApp accessed microphones while the phone was not in use, Chandrasekhar said, "This is an unacceptable breach and violation …

Union govt to probe WhatsApp's breach of privacy over accessing mic in backgrounds: MoS IT
1 year, 7 months ago

Union govt to probe WhatsApp's breach of privacy over accessing mic in backgrounds: MoS IT

India TV News  

WhatsApp privacy breach: The Union government stated that it will investigate a claim that WhatsApp accessed the microphone of smartphone users while the phone was not in use. "WhatsApp has been using the microphone in the background, while I was asleep and since I woke up at 6 AM," Foad Dabiri, an engineering director at Twitter said on Saturday. "We …

Police warn against WhatsApp calls from int'l numbers
1 year, 7 months ago

Police warn against WhatsApp calls from int'l numbers

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: The police on Tuesday advised WhatsApp users not to respond to repeated calls from unknown international numbers and to be vigilant against falling prey to cybercrime, after users took to Twitter to post queries on the issue. Tollywood actor Rahul Ramakrishna, who has been a victim of such calls, posted on Twitter: “Anybody else getting missed calls on WhatsApp …

WhatsApp Calls From International Numbers, Fake Job Offers. What's Going On?
1 year, 7 months ago

WhatsApp Calls From International Numbers, Fake Job Offers. What's Going On?

The Quint  

How is this happening? Karan Saini, Security Technologist at the Centre for Internet Society, India, spoke to The Quint about the possible modus operandi that these scammers are using, and how they get access to so many numbers on a pan-India basis. While Saini said that the calls being received appear to be similar to any other "cold-calls" that users …

Truecaller will identify and avoid potential spam calls on WhatsApp: Know-how
1 year, 7 months ago

Truecaller will identify and avoid potential spam calls on WhatsApp: Know-how

India TV News  

The incidence of online fraud in India is increasing, with scammers now using voice and video calls as well as WhatsApp messages to target their victims. Image Source : FREEPIKTruecaller will identify and avoid potential spam calls Truecaller, the software for caller ID and spam blocking, is set to expand its service to WhatsApp and other messaging apps. This move …

Truecaller will now help detect spam WhatsApp calls and messages: here is how
1 year, 7 months ago

Truecaller will now help detect spam WhatsApp calls and messages: here is how

India Today  

Online scams are on the rise in India. However, to combat the rising WhatsApp scams, Truecaller has joined hands with Meta to help users identify and block spam messages on the platform. The caller ID and spam blocking software- Truecallers is planning to make its caller identification service available over WhatsApp and other messaging apps to help users spot potential …

WhatsApp says it banned 29 lakh Indian accounts in January
1 year, 9 months ago

WhatsApp says it banned 29 lakh Indian accounts in January

Hindustan Times  

WhatsApp banned 29 lakh Indian accounts in the month of January, the microblogging platform said in its user safety monthly report released today. WhatsApp said the report contains details of actions taken by it in response to grievances received from users in India through the official grievance mechanism. The social media giant said that it took action on accounts through …

95% Of WhatsApp Users In India Receive Pesky Messages Daily: LocalCircles Survey
1 year, 10 months ago

95% Of WhatsApp Users In India Receive Pesky Messages Daily: LocalCircles Survey

News 18  

Around 76 per cent of respondents have claimed that they have noticed a rise in pesky calls or SMS based on their conversations with WhatsApp business accounts and their activity on Facebook or Instagram, online survey firm LocalCircles said on Wednesday. According to the survey conducted between February 1-20, 95 per cent of WhatsApp users surveyed by LocalCircles in India …

Socially engineered hacks rise as millions of WhatsApp users’ data go on sale on Dark Web: report
2 years ago

Socially engineered hacks rise as millions of WhatsApp users’ data go on sale on Dark Web: report

The Hindu  

Phishing attacks witnessed a 17% increase in malicious emails during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a report from Check Point Research revealed. The report comes close on the heels of reports claiming that hackers were selling WhatsApp numbers on the Dark Web. Though it cannot be verified if these numbers are from WhatsApp users, the leak includes 360 million phone …

WhatsApp Video Message Scam From Pakistan Is Active Again: All Details
2 years, 8 months ago

WhatsApp Video Message Scam From Pakistan Is Active Again: All Details

News 18  

Select WhatsApp users are again receiving a message that claims they’ve won Rs 25 lakh as a part of the Kaun Banega Crorepati lucky draw. What Does the WhatsApp Message Say Similar to the previous text-based fake WhatsApp forwards, the latest video message claims users have won Rs 25 Lakh and will need to contact a number for further details. …

Beware! Fake WhatsApp Message Claiming Free Internet From Govt Is Doing The Rounds: All We Know
3 years, 6 months ago

Beware! Fake WhatsApp Message Claiming Free Internet From Govt Is Doing The Rounds: All We Know

News 18  

A new fake WhatsApp message is doing the rounds claiming that the government of India will provide free internet access to 100 million users for three months. The WhatsApp message falsely claims that the government is giving free internet access to users of Jio, Airtel, and Vi. The government has also advised users to not open suspicious links such as …

Beware! Fake WhatsApp Message Claiming Govt Action Against Users Is Doing The Rounds
3 years, 6 months ago

Beware! Fake WhatsApp Message Claiming Govt Action Against Users Is Doing The Rounds

News 18  

A WhatsApp message is doing the rounds claiming that the government may have control over users’ WhatsApp. The message reads – “Two blue ticks, and one red tick means the government can take action, while three red ticks will mean the government has started court proceedings against you.” This comes amid an ongoing legal fight between the government and WhatsApp …

WhatsApp users shouldn't worry, but won't compromise with India's digital sovereignty: Ravi Shankar Prasad
3 years, 6 months ago

WhatsApp users shouldn't worry, but won't compromise with India's digital sovereignty: Ravi Shankar Prasad

India TV News  

Social media companies operating in India will have to follow law of the land and double standards won't be tolerated, said Union IT & Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Firday. Speaking over new guidelines for social media and messaging companies like WhatsApp and whether there was any possibility of them being banned in the country, Union Minister Ravi …

Centre responds to WhatsApp lawsuit: 'Respect right to privacy, new rules won't affect functioning'
3 years, 6 months ago

Centre responds to WhatsApp lawsuit: 'Respect right to privacy, new rules won't affect functioning'

Firstpost  

The Centre on Wednesday issued a clarification on WhatsApp’s lawsuit against the new IT rules saying that it respects the right to privacy and none of the new measures proposed by India will impact the normal functioning of WhatsApp in any manner. This comes after WhatsApp moved the Delhi HC to challenge rule mandating it to identify the first originator …

WhatsApp moves Delhi High Court against India’s new IT Rules
3 years, 6 months ago

WhatsApp moves Delhi High Court against India’s new IT Rules

The Hindu  

WhatsApp has moved the Delhi High Court against India’s new and stricter IT Rules that require instant messaging platforms to aid in identifying the ‘originator’ of messages. “Requiring messaging apps to ‘trace’ chats is the equivalent of asking us to keep a fingerprint of every single message sent on WhatsApp, which would break end-to-end encryption and fundamentally undermines people’s right …

WhatsApp sues Indian government in an attempt to block new social media rules
3 years, 6 months ago

WhatsApp sues Indian government in an attempt to block new social media rules

CNN  

New Delhi CNN Business — WhatsApp has sued the Indian government in a bid to block new rules it says would lead to “mass surveillance” by forcing social media platforms to hand over private information about their users. “Requiring messaging apps to ‘trace’ chats is the equivalent of asking us to keep a fingerprint of every single message sent on …

New security flaws in WhatsApp can let cyberattackers gain illegal access to users' data
3 years, 8 months ago

New security flaws in WhatsApp can let cyberattackers gain illegal access to users' data

India Today  

Yet another vulnerability has been found in WhatsApp that can allow attackers to access the sensitive information of users. "Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in WhatsApp applications which could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information on a targeted system. As per a report published in Traced, WhatsApp Online Status Tracker websites and apps were …

WhatsApp faces first legal challenge in India over privacy
3 years, 11 months ago

WhatsApp faces first legal challenge in India over privacy

The Hindu  

WhatsApp's updated privacy policy verges on user surveillance and threatens India's security, a petition filed in an Indian court said on Thursday,presenting another legal challenge for the Facebook Inc-owned messenger. In India, many users have began installing rival apps like Signal and Telegram, pushing WhatsApp to begin a costly advertising campaign to calm customers. "It virtually gives a 360-degree profile …

WhatsApp Scam: Beware of Messages That Promise Part-Time WFH Jobs or Offer Freebies
4 years ago

WhatsApp Scam: Beware of Messages That Promise Part-Time WFH Jobs or Offer Freebies

News 18  

SMS and email phishing is one of the most-known phishing tactics. A recent report in Indian Express digs into some of these kind of WhatsApp messages, which promise an easy paycheck while working from home. The report says that the links included in these phishing messages usually contain malware that is installed on a user’s smartphone as soon as they …

SBI Asks Account Holders to be Vigilant against Cyber Criminals on WhatsApp Calls and Messages
4 years, 2 months ago

SBI Asks Account Holders to be Vigilant against Cyber Criminals on WhatsApp Calls and Messages

News 18  

State Bank of India has alerted its account holders to be vigilant against unknown WhatsApp calls and messages asking them about their bank details. SBI also highlighted some of the ways by which the cyber criminals are trying to get vital information from account holders and dupe them. The bank said that fake WhatsApp calls and messages inform customers about …

WhatsApp Spam Hack: How Spammers Are Allegedly Tricking WhatsApp's Anti-Spam Filter
4 years, 5 months ago

WhatsApp Spam Hack: How Spammers Are Allegedly Tricking WhatsApp's Anti-Spam Filter

News 18  

WhatsApp scammers have reportedly designed a new technique to avoid the anti-spam safety checks that WhatsApp introduced on its platform over the past year. While the direct intentions or implication of this may not be clear immediately, it appears that this technique may be designed to avoid WhatsApp’s spam detection methods, therefore being potentially serious in nature. Spammers on WhatsApp …

Discover Related