Government's New Stance to Curb Online Fraud: WhatsApp and Telegram to Share Responsibility

Online Scam: The central government is taking a stricter approach regarding online fraud. A recent warning indicates that if a scam occurs due to new features on any messaging platform, the platform itself will also be held accountable.

Online Scam: If you use WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging apps, this news is for you. The central government has clearly stated that if a new feature on a messaging platform facilitates cyber fraud or online scams, the platform will share the responsibility. The government maintains that while introducing new technologies and features, companies must also ensure they are not misused.

Why did the government issue this warning?

Incidents of online fraud and cyber scams have risen sharply in recent times. Meanwhile, various messaging platforms are introducing new features. The government asserts that if a new feature makes it easier for fraudsters to scam people, the platform—not just the user—will be held accountable.

WhatsApp's New Feature

This statement comes amidst discussions regarding WhatsApp's new username feature. Some believe this feature could be misused to create fake identities and defraud people. Although the government has not singled out any specific company for punitive action, it has clearly stated that platforms share the responsibility for security.

Focus on Security

The government emphasizes that before launching new features, companies must assess whether they pose a risk to user security. If a feature leads to an increase in fraud cases, the concerned company may be held answerable. In essence, simply rolling out a new feature will no longer suffice; ensuring its security is equally crucial.

What is the objective?

This move by the government is seen as an effort to curb online fraud. It is expected that messaging companies will strengthen security measures before introducing new features. At the same time, users should exercise caution and not blindly trust messages, links, or calls from unknown individuals. The government believes that as digital platforms become increasingly convenient, their responsibilities are growing correspondingly. Therefore, stricter accountability regarding user safety may be imposed on tech companies in the future.