Govt Orders WhatsApp to Block Device IDs in Scam Crackdown; 5 Safety Features Coming

• Government directs WhatsApp to block device IDs used in digital arrest scams to prevent fraudsters from creating new accounts.
• Digital arrest scams involve impersonation of law enforcement, intimidation via video calls, and demands for money transfers.
• 1.23 lakh cases registered in 2024, with a total fraud of Rs 1,935 crore; overall losses from these scams are around Rs 3,000 crore.
• WhatsApp to introduce features like more caller information, warning signals for suspicious accounts, and enhanced scam detection.
• New measures include strengthening detection of malicious files, retaining deleted account data for 180 days, and SIM binding.