WhatsApp to Implement New Security Measures to Combat Digital Arrest Scams

New Delhi – A high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) constituted by the Union Home Ministry is directing WhatsApp to implement several key security measures to combat the growing threat of digital arrest scams. These measures include blocking device IDs used in scams, introducing safety features similar to those on Skype, and strengthening technology to detect and block harmful Android application packages (APKs).

Government Directives to WhatsApp

The IDC, formed in December 2025, met with WhatsApp representatives earlier this month to discuss strategies for tackling digital arrest scams, which often involve impersonation of law enforcement officials. WhatsApp has agreed to implement the proposed measures and is already initiating some changes.

Key Measures Under Consideration:

• Device ID Blocking: Assessing the feasibility of identifying and blocking device IDs associated with digital arrest scams to prevent repeat offenders from creating new accounts. WhatsApp has been asked to submit a proposal on this within 45 days.
• Enhanced Safety Features: Introducing safety features mirroring those found on Skype, such as more information on callers, warning signals for suspicious accounts, and improved detection of scam networks. A proposal for these features is expected within 30 days.
• Data Retention: Ensuring retention of user data from deleted accounts for at least 180 days, as mandated by the IT Rules, 2021, to aid law enforcement investigations.
• APK Detection: Strengthening technological mechanisms to detect and block harmful APKs and similar malicious content. Safeguards to identify and mitigate prolonged scam calls are also being developed, with technical measures expected within a month.
• AI and Machine Learning: Expanding AI and machine learning systems to detect impersonation, abuse of official logos, and synthetic or AI-generated content, with periodic progress updates to be shared.
• Logo Detection: Deploying logo detection and media matching systems to compare profile photos and remove accounts engaged in impersonation using logos of agencies like Delhi Police, Mumbai Police, CBI, and ATS.

Combating Digital Arrest Scams and SIM Binding

Digital arrest scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers via video calls, falsely accusing victims of crimes, and coercing them into transferring funds to avoid arrest. These scams have become increasingly prevalent, with an estimated loss of nearly Rs 3,000 crore overall. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the issue in October 2025, expressing “grave concern” over the rising number of cases.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a directive in November 2025 requiring application-based communication services – including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat – to implement active SIM linkage for user access. WhatsApp has committed to implementing this directive, known as SIM binding, within four to six months and submitting an Action Taken Report (ATR) by the conclude of March 2026. SIM binding mandates that platforms can only be used with a specific, active SIM card, eliminating anonymous or multi-device usage and strengthening user traceability.

Increased Cooperation with Investigative Agencies

WhatsApp will also enhance its cooperation with investigative agencies, ensuring timely responses to flagged signals related to fraud networks, impersonation of law enforcement, and misuse of government symbols. The platform has also committed to complying with updated IT Rules provisions regarding the identification and labeling of synthetically generated information, addressing concerns about AI-generated or deepfake video calls used in extortion attempts.

Recent Statistics on Cybercrime

According to data presented to Parliament on March 25, 2025, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has identified and blocked more than 83,668 WhatsApp accounts and 3,962 Skype IDs used for Digital Arrest. Over 7.81 lakh SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs have been blocked following police complaints. In 2024, 1.23 lakh cases of digital arrest, involving Rs 1,935 crore, were reported – almost three times the number recorded in 2022. The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System has reportedly saved over Rs 4,386 crore in more than 13.36 lakh complaints since 2021.