New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has recommended that WhatsApp disable electronic devices used in so-called “digital arrest” scams, so that a fresh WhatsApp account cannot be created again from the same device.
The suggestion was discussed at the third meeting of an inter-departmental high-level panel on digital arrest fraud, formed by the ministry in December last year. WhatsApp representatives attended the meeting in Delhi and held detailed consultations.
According to a Home Ministry official, WhatsApp has given multiple assurances, including improving user safety and supporting police investigations. The platform has been asked to submit a proposal within 45 days on a plan to block devices such as mobile phones and laptops that are used for digital fraud.
The ministry also sought stronger safeguards to control prolonged scam calls on WhatsApp. It recommended warning users about calls from unknown persons—similar to alerts seen on Skype—and suggested using AI to detect video calls where fraudsters impersonate police officers and notify users accordingly.
