This WhatsApp feature will help tackle 'digital arrest' scams
What's the story
WhatsApp is working on a new feature to let users deactivate their device's camera before accepting a video call.
The development was revealed via an APK teardown of a beta version of the app, Android Authority reported.
The feature, dubbed "Turn off your video," was spotted in the WhatsApp beta app for Android version 2.25.7.3.
The feature was activated by Android Authority through tinkering with the app.
Functionality
How will the new feature work?
The newly discovered feature will give users an option to disable their camera while receiving a video call. In other words, the call will be answered in voice-only mode.
If your camera is already off, WhatsApp may show another prompt, "Accept without video," as a confirmation.
The report also indicates that users can turn on their camera during an ongoing call with "Turn on your video" option, adding flexibility to user interactions.
Scenario
It will help users avoid unintended exposure
WhatsApp's new feature can help combat the rising issue of 'digital arrest' scams by giving users the option to disable their camera beforehand.
The digital arrest scam is a cyber fraud where scammers pose as law enforcement, falsely accusing victims of crimes like money laundering and drug peddling.
Using fear tactics, they demand payments via bank transfers to "clear" charges. Some victims are coerced into isolation or tricked into transferring large sums, believing they are cooperating with authorities.
Comparison
Similar to features offered by other video-conferencing platforms
Currently, WhatsApp doesn't offer a feature to disable your camera before accepting a video call. You can only turn off your video feed after the call has been accepted.
The new feature is similar to those offered by other video-conferencing platforms like Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, which already allow users to join calls without turning on their cameras first.
Additional updates
Other features in development for WhatsApp
Along with the new camera feature, WhatsApp is also working on a UPI Lite feature that will simplify transactions by letting users make payments without entering their PIN.
Additionally, there are plans to introduce a new interface for Meta AI — the conversational chatbot of Meta.
The upcoming interface will reportedly offer an automatic voice mode along with prompt suggestions to help users start conversations on the platform.