KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil wants WhatsApp to strengthen verification of phone numbers linked to its accounts amid growing concerns over scammers exploiting the messaging platform to deceive the public.
He said the government was looking into the issue following reports of scammers misusing telephone numbers and WhatsApp accounts, including impersonating Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) officers.
“At the moment, WhatsApp does not require verification of the account. But in a few countries, recently at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), I have heard from many countries that they have raised the issue of misuse of WhatsApp for scam calls.
