Tag: WhatsApp

WhatsApp, banned in China, is suddenly working for some users

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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WhatsApp has begun working freely and consistently for some users in China despite a longstanding government ban on the messaging service, an unusual phenomenon for a country with some of the world’s strictest internet curbs.

Users of the Meta Platforms Inc. service in Beijing and Shanghai, who normally employ workarounds like a virtual private network to get on the service, have been sending and receiving messages without those tools. Other social media services such as Signal and Instagram remain barred, part of a broad blockade of foreign internet platforms that critics have dubbed the Great Firewall.

It’s unclear how many people across China have been able to navigate WhatsApp during the period. The phenomenon hasn’t yet trended on domestic social media such as the Twitter-like Weibo. Only several million people are estimated to use Meta’s signature messaging tool in the country, versus more than a billion for Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s WeChat.

Representatives for WhatsApp declined to comment, while the Cyberspace Administration of China didn’t respond to a faxed query.

Beijing has barred the use of foreign messaging and social media platforms like WhatsApp for years, part of a broader campaign to tamp down potential dissent and enforce the Party’s control of content. That’s helped apps like WeChat and Weibo dominate, though Chinese users still employ VPNs to view Western media. Like most foreign messaging platforms, WhatsApp messages are encrypted on both ends and are difficult to police.

Still, users in China have in the past reported being able to access blocked services and websites for brief periods, which industry experts attribute to glitches in network restrictions. But at least some people in China’s two largest cities say they’ve been able to send and receive WhatsApp messages over an uninterrupted two-week span — an unusually long period for the country.

At least one of the users said that span began right around the time Apple Inc. removed WhatsApp and other social media services including Threads and Signal from its Chinese app store, responding to orders from Beijing to close more loopholes in the internet firewall.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

WhatsApp banned about 8 million Indian accounts in March 2024

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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WhatsApp on Wednesday said that between March 1 and 31, 2024, it banned over 7.9 million Indian accounts. Notably, about 1.4 million of these accounts were proactively banned before receiving any user reports, the company said in its monthly report published under the IT rules, 2021.

The platform identifies Indian users through their +91 phone numbers. In March 2024, WhatsApp said it received a total of 12,782 grievances. Notably, 11 reports from users triggered action from the platform.

Furthermore, the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), established by the Government of India to address citizen concerns on social media platforms, submitted eight reports to WhatsApp. The company complied with all five GAC reports.

In its April report, WhatsApp said that between February 1, 2024, and February 29 2024, it banned over 7.6 million accounts in India, of which about 1.4 million were banned before any reports from users.

WhatsApp said in its report that its strategy against abuse is multi-faceted, encompassing a combination of user reports, advanced detection tools, and proactive measures. “We are particularly focused on prevention because we believe it is much better to stop harmful activity from happening in the first place than to detect it after harm has occurred,” it added.

The platform operates on three key stages in an account’s lifecycle: during registration, messaging, and in response to user feedback, including reports and blocks. According to WhatsApp, a dedicated team of analysts supplements these systems, continually refining their effectiveness.

Also Read: WhatsApp working on a new feature to restrict spam messaging: Report

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WhatsApp working on a new feature to restrict spam messaging: Report

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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WhatsApp is reportedly gearing up to unveil a new feature aimed at curbing abusive behaviour. According to WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned messaging platform is experimenting with a restriction feature that will temporarily limit certain account functionalities.

The report suggests that WhatsApp will restrict the users’ ability to initiate new chats for a given period if they are found engaging in specific violations. However, they will still be able to receive messages and respond to texts in pre-existing chats and groups.

Utilising automated tools, WhatsApp is said to scan for behaviours indicative of abuse, such as bulk messaging or automated scripts, without compromising the end-to-end encryption safeguarding user messages and calls. This approach aims to identify and address potentially harmful conduct while preserving user privacy.

“By imposing a temporary restriction, WhatsApp can address problematic behaviour without permanently banning users from using WhatsApp, minimising significant disruption to the messaging experience,” WABetaInfo said.

The feature is currently in development and will be available through a future update of the app. WhatsApp also routinely bans accounts that are found violating platform policies. This feature is especially useful against bad actors who use WhatsApp to extract money from people through several means like offering fake jobs and instant return investments, etc.

The purpose is to encourage ethical use, ensuring that everyone may connect and interact without facing spam, abuse, or other disruptive behaviour.

Also Read: WhatsApp to Delhi High Court: Will cease operations in India if forced to break encryption

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Delhi Police says false audio messages sent on WhatsApp over suspicious objects found in schools

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Delhi Police, on Thursday, May 2, said that false audio messages are circulating on WhatsApp and other chat platforms, claiming the discovery of suspicious objects in certain schools across the national capital.

These messages, which have gone viral, specifically mention the diffusion of bombs in DPS RK Puram and Mathura Road schools. However, the police have clarified that these messages are entirely false.

On May 1, a wave of panic swept over Delhi-NCR as over 150 schools received identical threat emails, alleging the presence of explosives on their premises. This prompted extensive evacuations and searches, with concerned parents rushing to retrieve their children. Fortunately, authorities found nothing incriminating, ultimately deeming the threats a hoax.

Officials said the initial probe suspected a “deeper conspiracy” by a terror group during the Lok Sabha elections, adding that there is suspicion that an ISIS module sent the threat mail.

The Delhi Police’s anti-terror unit, the Special Cell, has traced the origin of these threatening emails to Russia, suspecting their formation with the aid of the dark web, an encrypted online platform allowing anonymity. The email ID associated with the threats, ‘sawariim@mail.ru’, bears significance as ‘Sawarim’ is an Arabic term frequently employed by the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) in their propaganda materials.

The threatening emails contained alarming statements, including references to explosives within the schools and verses from the holy Quran. According to officials, the overarching purpose behind disseminating such threats en masse is to sow panic and potentially wage a cyber war by certain terror groups.

In response, the Special Cell has filed a case under relevant legal provisions, including those related to conspiracy and threat. A dedicated team has been assembled to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

With inputs from PTI

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

WhatsApp to Delhi High Court: Will cease operations in India if forced to break encryption

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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WhatsApp has told the Delhi High Court that it would cease operations in India if compelled to compromise the encryption of messages on its platform.

“As a platform, we are saying that if we are told to break encryption, then WhatsApp goes,” the company asserted before the bench. The messaging giant said it would be untenable to continue functioning if mandated to break encryption.

This revelation came during a hearing on Thursday, where the court was deliberating petitions filed by WhatsApp and its parent company Meta challenging Rule 4(2) of the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

Central to WhatsApp’s argument is the pivotal role of end-to-end encryption in fostering user trust and ensuring privacy. The platform contended that any attempt to undermine this encryption would erode the fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, which safeguard individual freedoms and liberties.

The legal challenge revolves around Rule 4(2) of the IT Rules, 2021, which mandates significant social media intermediaries to identify the first originator of any information upon the court or competent authority orders. WhatsApp and Meta have raised concerns about the rule’s legality and its implications for user privacy and platform operations.

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 were announced by the government on February 25, 2021 and required large social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to comply with the latest norms.

The bench ordered that the matter be listed for hearing on August 14 to await the transfer of all other petitions challenging several aspects of the 2021 IT Rules to it pursuant to a Supreme Court order.

In its petition filed in 2021, WhatsApp has said the requirement of intermediaries enabling the identification of the first originator of information in India upon government or court order puts end-to-end encryption and its benefits “at risk”.

WhatsApp LLC has urged the high court to declare Rule 4(2) of the intermediary rules as unconstitutional, ultra vires the IT Act and illegal and sought that no criminal liability be imposed on it for any alleged non-compliance with Rule 4(2) which requires enabling the identification of the first originator of information.

WhatsApp said the traceability provision is unconstitutional and against the fundamental right to privacy.

The plea has said the traceability requirement forces the company to break end-to-end encryption on its messaging service, as well as the privacy principles underlying it and infringes upon the fundamental rights to privacy and free speech of the hundreds of millions of citizens using WhatsApp to communicate privately and securely.

On March 22, the Supreme Court transferred to the Delhi High Court a batch of pleas pending before different high courts across the country challenging the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Several petitions were pending on the issue before different high courts including Karnataka, Madras, Calcutta, Kerala and Bombay high courts.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Supreme Court to adopt WhatsApp for sharing cause lists, info about filing and listing of cases: CJI

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has reportedly announced that the Supreme Court will start sharing information relating to cause lists, and filing and listing of cases with advocates through WhatsApp.

The CJI made the announcement before a nine-judge bench led by him began hearing on a vexed legal question raised by the petitions: whether private properties can be considered “material resources of the community” under Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

“In the 75th year, the Supreme Court launches an initiative to strengthen access to justice by integration of WhatsApp messages with the IT services of the Supreme Court,” the CJI said.

Now, the advocates will receive automated messages about filing the cases, he said, adding that the members of the bar will also get the cause lists, as and when they are published, on mobile phones.

The CJI also shared the top court’s official WhatsApp number and said it will not be receiving any messages and calls. “This will bring a significant change in our working habits and will go a long way in saving papers,” Justice Chandrachud said.

The top court under the leadership of CJI Chandrachud has been taking steps to digitise the functioning of the judiciary. He said the Centre has sanctioned ₹7,000 crore for the e-court project.

The solicitor general shared the views of the central government and said it was committed to the digitisation of the judiciary to enhance access for common litigants and lawyers.

(With inputs from PTI)

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Apple pulls WhatsApp from China store at Beijing’s behest

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Apple Inc. removed social media services including Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese app store, responding to orders from Beijing to close more loopholes in the country’s longstanding internet firewall.

The iPhone maker also removed the messaging services Telegram and Signal, according to consultants tracking the space. Apple, which has consistently complied with one of the world’s most rigid internet censorship regimes, said the Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the apps removed over national security concerns.

The orders come on the heels of a cleanup program Chinese regulators initiated in 2023 that was expected to remove many defunct or unregistered apps from domestic iOS and Android stores, including local ones. In August, China asked all mobile app developers to register with the government by the end of March, or cease operating.

Beijing has barred the use of foreign messaging and social media platforms like WhatsApp for years, using what the industry calls the Great Firewall. That’s helped apps like Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s WeChat dominate domestic usage, though Chinese users can still employ virtual private networks to view foreign media.

Less sensitive apps with more substantial Chinese businesses such as Duolingo are expected to comply with the latest regulatory licensing regime to remain operational, said Rich Bishop, co-founder and chief executive officer of AppInChina.

“It will mean that Chinese consumers are pretty much limited to just Chinese apps, with a small number of international ones,” said Bishop, whose consultancy has received dozens of inquiries from companies about how to stay compliant and publish software in China. “That’s quite a big change — so it will further cut off Chinese citizens from the rest of the world in a sense.”

The action against the American tech services comes as the US government is taking steps toward a ban on TikTok, the hit video app from Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. US politicians have also cited national security concerns in their push to force the company to either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the US market.

“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree. The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns,” Apple said in a statement. “These apps remain available for download on all other storefronts where they appear.”

The app registration process kicked off last year in what Beijing painted as a bid to counter telephone scams and fraud. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said that it would carry out supervision work on those filings from April to June, and to take action against unregistered apps. Developers would also be required to set up and improve mechanisms to handle “illegal information.”

The MIIT move was regarded as another step by Beijing to tighten controls across its cyberspace, forcing internet companies to scrub information considered politically sensitive. Beyond apps, websites and large language AI models have also been subject to greater content curbs.

The Wall Street Journal was first to report the app removal. A Meta spokesperson referred Bloomberg News to Apple’s statement. Representatives for Telegram and Signal didn’t respond to requests for comment.

China’s action comes as TikTok divestiture legislation is expected to be included in a fast-moving aid package for Ukraine and Israel that Congress is expected to vote on this Saturday.

China is a key nation for the iPhone, its largest consumer market outside the US and its primary production base. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook visited the country earlier this year and emphasized its importance to his business. Apple has long said that it needs to follow local laws as part of operating its app store effectively in different countries.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Meta launches limited testing of Meta AI integration on WhatsApp

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has reportedly initiated limited testing of Meta AI integration on the messaging platform in different countries.

According to WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo, the feature enables users to interact with Meta AI directly through the WhatsApp search bar. It first appeared on the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.14 update.

This feature is designed to streamline user interaction with Meta AI, offering suggestions and prompts within the search interface itself, eliminating the need for manual navigation to the Meta AI chat.

Meta starts limited testing of Meta AI on WhatsApp in different countries!

Some users in specific countries can now experiment with the Meta AI chatbot, exploring its capabilities and functionalities through different entry points.https://t.co/PrycA4o0LI pic.twitter.com/BB2axOGnEj

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 12, 2024

The testing phase, which is currently underway, sees Meta experimenting with different entry points for users across various countries. As part of the initial rollout, select users in specific countries, primarily those with their app language set to English, are gaining access to Meta AI integration within the search bar.

Additionally, users in India are being provided with an alternative entry point via a dedicated icon located within the top app bar.

It is important to highlight that the integration of Meta AI operates independently from the privacy of private conversations within WhatsApp. User interactions within the search bar remain confidential, and information is not shared with Meta AI unless specifically prompted by the user. Furthermore, suggested topics generated by Meta AI are randomised and do not rely on user-specific data.

Despite the introduction of Meta AI integration, the primary functionalities of the WhatsApp search bar remain intact, enabling users to search for chats, messages, media, and contacts with the same level of privacy. Additionally, the end-to-end encryption of personal messages and calls remains unchanged, ensuring the privacy and security of user communications.

While the testing phase is currently limited, Meta hints at the possibility of expanding access to Meta AI integration to more users in the coming months. Those interested in exploring the enhanced functionalities can do so by updating to the latest versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android from their respective app stores.

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Bajaj Allianz Life introduces premium payment options on WhatsApp

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance on Tuesday (April 9) introduced premium payment options on WhatsApp through a partnership with Meta. With this, customers will be able to pay their premiums through various payment modes like net banking, credit card, unified payments interface (UPI) directly within the WhatsApp interface.

This initiative eliminates the need to switch between various payments apps and ensures uninterrupted and efficient premium payments directly within WhatsApp, Bajaj Allianz Life said.

With WhatsApp Pay’s end-to-end encryption, all transaction details are protected, the company said.

Rajesh Krishnan, Chief Operations & Customer Experience Officer at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance said, “Bajaj Allianz Life is driven by our Customer First approach, and WhatsApp has been integral in the mix of our numerous initiatives to drive delightful customer experience. We have a significant customer base who uses our WhatsApp Chatbot to avail themselves of over 25 services. With the new premium payment option on the platform, customers will now have an even more enhanced experience.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Android users may soon be able to transcribe WhatsApp voice notes

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature that will allow Android users to transcribe voice notes.

According to WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo, the feature will be available in a future update of the app for beta testers. Users will have to download 150MB of new app data for end-to-end encryption on the transcriptions to transcribe a voice note.

“WhatsApp will use the device’s speech recognition to elaborate transcripts, ensuring that the transcription process occurs locally on the user’s device to preserve end-to-end encryption and maintain user privacy,” WABetaInfo said in its report.

Once the data is downloaded, users will be able to see transcriptions of the voice notes in the chat bubble and still be able to access the message without needing to play the audio.

This will also be helpful in cases where you receive longer voice notes from your contacts and do not have the time to go through the whole message. You can read the transcription and find out the details immediately. However, it is not clear how accurate the transcription will be and what languages it will support.

WhatsApp first started working on the feature for iOS users in 2023, according to WABetaInfo, and is reportedly available to beta testers on the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.9.0.70 update.

For iOS users, the feature is enabled by default and can be turned off by visiting WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts.

The report also added that the transcription for voice notes is also searchable within the app. “When a voice note is transcribed, the text is indexed, making it searchable,” the report added. So, in case you are looking for a voice note that contains a certain term or message, you can find it by typing the keywords in the WhatsApp search bar.

Apple introduced a similar feature for iMessage in iOS 17, wherein a voice note automatically shows up with its transcription in the iMessage app. All iPhone models running on iOS 17 or above updates will have access to it. However, it is only limited to iMessage and no other messaging platform.

For WhatsApp, WABetaInfo said, the feature is under development and is likely to be available in a future update.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow