WhatsApp launches 'Safety in India' resource hub to help users stay safe online

WhatsApp has launched the 'Safety in India' resource hub to highlight a bunch of safety measures to help people stay safe online.

WhatsApp has rolled out the 'Safety in India' feature that enhances security and privacy of users. (Pixabay)

Meta-owned WhatsApp has introduced a number of product changes to enhance the security and privacy of its users in India. The instant messaging app has launched a dedicated 'Safety in India' resource hub to highlight a bunch of measures that are intended to help people stay safe online. The announcement came after WhatsApp's week-long campaign, #TakeCharge to promote the safe use of the Internet. More than 400 million people use WhatsApp in India.

In its blog post, WhatsApp said, “WhatsApp has made significant product changes to help enhance security and privacy. Besides continuous product innovations, over the years we have also consistently invested in state-of-the-art technology, artificial intelligence, data scientists, experts, and in processes, to support user safety.”

The instant messaging app has highlighted several safety features from two-step verification, WhatsApp lock, forward limits to disappearing messages, admin controls and much more that help people can use to stay safe and secure - online.

Additionally, the resource hub also explores other important topics around online safety, privacy and security, debunks common myths, in order to create awareness on how users can safeguard themselves from potential cyber scams in today's digitally connected world.

WhatsApp will build awareness about the various safety measures and in-built product features through the 'Safety in India' hub. It will empower users to take control and manage their safety comprehensively while using the app for messaging.

The resource hub also mentioned the advanced technology that WhatsApp deploys along with India-specific processes that help prevent the spread of misinformation and any form of abuse on the platform.

Moreover, the platform also provides users with resources that help them verify information in order to curb the spread of misinformation. The platform offers 10 fact checking organizations to allow users to verify information through a WhatsApp bot. This is enabled through the WhatsApp API-platform solution and is a free of cost service. Users can save this phone number for the purpose:+1 (727) 2912606. They can start a chat with the bot by sending a simple,”Hi” to get the information they seek.