WhatsApp to block scam device IDs

PLATFORM TOLD TO PRESENT PROPOSAL ON THE MEASURES WITHIN 30 DAYS

- MAHENDER SINGH MANRAL

BLOCKING DEVICE IDS involved in cases of digital arrest; introducing safety features similar to those on Skype; and, strengthening technology to detect and block harmful file formats used in Android systems (APKs). These are some of the key measures that WhatsApp has been asked to implement by a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) constituted by the Union Home Ministry to tackle the threat of digital arrest, including the impersonation of law enforcement officers to perpetrate the scam, The Indian Express has learnt.

Sources told this newspaper that the Meta-owned messaging service has agreed to implement these measures and is already in the process of putting in place some of them. It is learnt that the interaction with representatives of WhatsApp took place earlier this month during the third meeting of the IDC, which was constituted in December 2025.