WhatsApp is working on a feature that will reduce users’ susceptibility to frauds and losing their accounts. This was mentioned in a recent report by WABetaInfo where the new feature was revealed under the name of Flash Call.
In the past and even now, there have been occurrences where users lost their accounts after sharing a six-digit verification code they received to someone claiming to be from the company.
According to WABetaInfo’s report, the new feature will allow users to automatically verify their phone numbers when they try to log into the instant messaging app.
This is how the Flash call feature will work. Users will be required to permit access to their phone’s call log, and after it has been verified that users have received the call from WhatsApp, they get access to their account.
Flash call, just like other WhatsApp features is not compulsory, and it up to users to decide if they want to give the instant messaging app permission to access their call log. The Flash Call feature has been spotted in Android beta version 2.21.11 and seems to be a good idea.
While this will help in reducing scams where users receive calls and/or from cyber criminals claiming to be from WhatsApp, it will not be a surprise if it comes under criticism. WhatsApp privacy policy update took effect just a few days ago and was a result of the company wanting to collect information which it claimed other technology apps and companies were already collecting.
The innovative features that WhatsApp plans to introduce on its platform make the need for security-related ideas like Flash Call. Flash Call could be a great idea after all, and not receive any criticism from users irrespective of the fact that it needs access to their call logs.
Ibhadojemu Lucky Emmanuel is a graduate of Education and Economics from the University of Benin. He has a passion for tech and business and has been writing professionally for over a period of five years. He's written across various topics and segments and knew tech-business was it when he first stumbled on it. He has a great passion for music and arts, and wants to visit as many countries as he can someday.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
