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Tag: WhatsApp

  • Meta will appeal $220m fine by FCCPC – WhatsApp

    Meta will appeal $220m fine by FCCPC – WhatsApp

    WhatsApp says its parent body, Meta, will be appealing the $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) regarding its violation of Nigeria’s data privacy laws.

    The organisation, Whatsapp, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    It said: “We disagree with the decision today as well as the fine and Meta will be appealing the decision.

    “In 2021, we went to users globally to explain how talking to businesses among other things would work and while there was a lot of confusion then, it has actually proven quite popular,” the organisation said.

    NAN reports that the reaction follows a statement released by the FCCPC and signed by its acting Executive Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, saying that Meta had denied Nigerian users control over their data.

    The FCCPC said that Meta had also shared the users data without consent, and abused its market dominance.

    According to the statement released to the media, the FCCPC’s final order  imposed a monetary penalty of two hundred and twenty million U.S. Dollars only, on Meta.

    The penalty is in accordance with the FCCPA 2018, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020,” the statement said.

    The FCCPC announced that it initiated its investigation in May 2021, based on evidence suggesting that Meta, through its platforms, had breached the provisions of the FCCPA 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019.

    It stated that these regulations were in effect prior to the enactment and implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

    The competition protection body noted that Meta responded to document requests and summons by providing some information.

    It stated that Meta’s representatives and retained legal counsel had consistently engaged with and met investigators and analysts from the commission and the NDPC, including as recently as April 4, 2024.

    The FCCPC highlighted that its investigation uncovered evidence of Meta engaging in practices that were abusive and invasive towards data consumers in Nigeria.

    Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Acquiring a Temporary WhatsApp Number

    This included collecting personal data without consent and implementing discriminatory practices against Nigerians, among other issues.

    Meta Platforms, Inc., doing business as Meta, is an American multinational technology conglomerate based in Menlo Park, California.

    The company owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, among other products and services.

    (NAN)

  • The Ultimate Guide to Acquiring a Temporary WhatsApp Number

    The Ultimate Guide to Acquiring a Temporary WhatsApp Number

    In today’s interconnected world, WhatsApp has become a pivotal means of communication, offering instant messaging, voice, and video calls across the globe. For those seeking privacy, flexibility, or a temporary solution for their communication needs, acquiring a temporary or virtual number for WhatsApp is an excellent strategy. This guide explores how to navigate the process of obtaining a temporary WhatsApp number, ensuring you can maintain your privacy, manage international contacts, or simply test out the service without committing your primary phone number.

    Why Opt for a Temporary Number for WhatsApp?

    The reasons for opting for a temp number for WhatsApp vary widely. For businesses, it allows the establishment of a dedicated customer service or contact line without the need for additional physical phone lines. Individuals might seek a temporary WhatsApp number to preserve their privacy when communicating with new acquaintances or for online selling and buying. Furthermore, these numbers are invaluable for travelers who need a local number in their destination country without the hassle of purchasing a new SIM card.

    Embracing Flexibility with Multiple WhatsApp Accounts

    One of the standout benefits of obtaining a temporary WhatsApp number is the ability to manage multiple WhatsApp accounts on a single device. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who wish to keep their personal and business communications separate but conveniently accessible. By using a virtual number for WhatsApp, users can create distinct profiles for various aspects of their lives, ensuring that each sphere maintains its privacy and organizational structure. This flexibility not only enhances personal privacy but also boosts efficiency for professionals and businesses by compartmentalizing different communication streams.

    Navigating the Challenges of Temporary Numbers for WhatsApp

    When looking to buy a virtual number for WhatsApp, choosing the right provider is crucial. A reliable provider should offer numbers that are compatible with WhatsApp, ensuring easy verification and setup. It’s essential to select a service that guarantees the privacy and security of your communications, providing a seamless experience without risking your personal information.

    While temporary and virtual numbers for WhatsApp provide a wealth of benefits, users may encounter challenges such as the potential for numbers to expire or be recycled. It’s important to understand the terms of service provided by your virtual number provider to mitigate any risks associated with these challenges. Regularly updating your contact details and staying informed about the expiration of your temporary number can help maintain uninterrupted service. Providers that offer clear guidelines and support for their temporary WhatsApp numbers can significantly enhance the user experience, ensuring that these hurdles are easily overcome.

    The Process of Acquiring Your Virtual WhatsApp Number

    Acquiring a temporary WhatsApp number is straightforward:

    1. Identify a Reputable Service: Begin by researching providers that offer temporary or fake numbers for WhatsApp. Services like HotTelecom cater to those needs by providing a range of virtual numbers tailored for different apps, including WhatsApp.
    2. Select Your Number: Choose the type of virtual number you need. Whether it’s a local number for a specific country or a more generic number, ensure it meets your requirements for WhatsApp usage.
    3. Complete the Purchase: Follow the provider’s process to buy your WhatsApp number. This typically involves registering for an account, selecting your number, and completing the payment.
    4. Set Up WhatsApp: With your new number in hand, download WhatsApp (if you haven’t already) and follow the app’s setup process, using your temporary number for verification.

    Maximizing the Benefits of Your Temporary WhatsApp Number

    A temporary WhatsApp number offers more than just a means to communicate; it’s a tool for maintaining privacy, managing business communications efficiently, and establishing a presence in different geographical locations. By leveraging a temp WhatsApp number, you can easily separate personal and professional communications, ensuring that your primary number remains private.

    The Ethical Use of Temp WhatsApp Numbers

    The use of temporary or fake numbers for WhatsApp raises important ethical considerations. It’s crucial for users to employ these numbers responsibly, respecting the privacy and trust of their contacts. Temporary numbers should not be used to deceive others or engage in unethical behavior. Instead, they should serve as a tool for enhancing personal privacy, facilitating business operations, and ensuring communication flexibility. By adhering to ethical standards and using temporary numbers judiciously, users can fully leverage the advantages they offer without compromising the integrity of their communications.

    Security Considerations and Best Practices

    While the benefits are numerous, it’s important to use temporary or virtual numbers responsibly. Avoid using fake numbers for WhatsApp for illicit activities, as this could lead to the number being banned or blocked by the service. Always ensure that you’re using these numbers in compliance with WhatsApp’s terms of service.

    The Future of Virtual Communication

    The demand for temporary and virtual numbers is on the rise, driven by an increasing need for privacy and flexibility in digital communication. As technology advances, we can anticipate more sophisticated services offering virtual numbers for WhatsApp and other communication platforms, further enhancing the user experience while safeguarding privacy.

  • WhatsApp urges users to upgrade app after report of spyware attack

    Facebook’s WhatsApp on Tuesday urged users to upgrade to the latest version of its popular messaging app following a report that users could be vulnerable to having malicious spyware installed on phones without their knowledge.

    “WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date.

    “The upgrade will protect app against potential targeted exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices,” a spokesman said.

    “We are constantly working alongside industry partners to provide the latest security enhancements to help protect our users.”

    The Financial Times reported that vulnerability in WhatsApp allowed attackers to inject spyware on phones by ringing up targets using the app’s phone call function.

    It said the spyware was developed by Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group.

    Read Also: Multichoice unveils Whatsapp self-service

    Asked about the report, NSO said its technology was licensed to authorised government agencies “for the sole purpose of fighting crime and terror,” and that it does not operate the system itself.

    “We investigate any credible allegations of misuse and if necessary, we take action, including shutting down the system.

    Under no circumstances would NSO be involved in the operating or identifying of targets of its technology, which is solely operated by intelligence and law enforcement agencies,” the company said.

    “NSO would not or could not use its technology in its own right to target any person or organisation, including
    this individual.”

  • India polls: WhatsApp launches fact-check service to fight fake news

    WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a service for Indians to check the veracity

    of information in the messaging platform’s latest attempt to combat fake news in India ahead of national elections beginning this month.

    WhatsApp said in a statement it was working with local startup Proto to classify messages sent to the service by users as true, false, misleading or disputed.

    They will also build a database of such content to better understand misinformation.

    The move came as WhatsApp, with over 200 million users in India, battles criticism of its platform being used for the spread of misinformation.

    It added that the social media companies across the board are working to prevent the phenomenon, particularly during sensitive events such as elections.

    WhatsApp owner Facebook Inc said on Monday it had deleted 712 accounts and 390 pages in India and Pakistan for “inauthentic behaviour”.

    It noted that many were linked to India’s opposition Congress party and others related to Pakistan’s military.

    The first phase of India’s elections is scheduled to begin on April 11, with final results expected on May 23.

    Major Indian political parties have accused each other of propagating fake news on WhatsApp while denying they do so themselves.

    In February, a senior WhatsApp executive said parties were trying to use the app in “ways for which it was not intended”.

    WhatsApp had a similar challenge during Brazilian elections in 2018, when politicians had faced claims of spreading falsehoods on the platform.

    “The goal of this project is to study the misinformation phenomenon at scale.

    “As more data flows in, we will be able to identify the most susceptible or affected issues, locations, languages, regions, and more,”
    Proto’s founders Ritvvij Parrikh and Nasr ul Hadi said in a statement.

    WhatsApp said Proto would be helped by two other organisations with experience working on misinformation-related projects.

    “The challenge of viral misinformation requires more collaborative efforts and cannot be solved by any one organisation alone,” WhatsApp said.

    The new service, dubbed Checkpoint Tipline, can receive messages in the form of images and video as well as text in English and four regional languages, it added.

    Checkpoint is a research project commissioned by WhatsApp.

    Reuters received a message on WhatsApp containing false information and forwarded it to the service around 0640 GMT.

    It was still awaiting classification more than two hours later.

    “Thank you, we’ve received your request and you should hear from us again shortly,” a reply said.

    WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption allows groups of many users to exchange text messages, images and video beyond the oversight
    of independent fact checkers or even the company itself.

    In July, the company introduced a measure limiting the number of messages a user can forward, a move aimed at curbing mass forwards in India, where the spread of rumors led to several killings and sparked calls for government action.

  • MTN unveils smart feature phone

    MTN Nigeria on Thursday unveiled an affordable smart feature phone known as the MTN Smart, designed as a compact, high-quality device available at a very affordable price.

    It said it is in keeping to its promise of making access to advanced digital services a reality for everyone to bridge the digital divide, enhance connectivity to grow the economy.

    This first of its kind 3G KaiOS smart feature phone, allows customers to upgrade from a typical feature phone with only voice and text capabilities, to a fully connected device with a fast 3G internet connection, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, dual SIM 3G capabilities. It has an App Store and comes pre-loaded with the most popular Apps available in the market today, including but not limited to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google Maps.

    Read Also: MTN Foundation upgrades lab

    Commenting on this innovation, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Rahul De said: “Despite rising mobile phone penetration and increased data consumption, device affordability remains a significant disincentive for most Nigerians. The MTN Smart feature phone is a great, affordable and tailor-made solution aimed at bridging this device gap and ensuring that every Nigerian is able to benefit from the modern, connected life.”

    The phone which boasts of two cameras, a 2-day battery life with 2000mAh battery, is powered by the SC7731EF processor, has a 2.4-inch screen, 256MB RAM and 512MB of storage and runs on the increasingly popular KaiOS operating system.

    Suitable for individuals who are digital savvy and desire affordable smartphones, the MTN Smart is available in all MTN stores across Nigeria for just N8,000 and comes with free 500MB monthly data for the first six  months.

  • UBA’s Leo enters Facebook, WhatsApp

    United Bank for Africa (UBA) has deepened its commitment to Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the creation of Leo. Leo is a banking chatbot that helps customers carry out key transactions anywhere, using mobile devices and personal computers.

    Speaking yesterday during the UBA’S session at the Social Media Week held in Lagos,  the bank’s  Head, Online Banking, Austin Abolusoro, said Leo can now be accessed via Facebook or WhatsApp.

    “We are leading financial industry AI in Africa. Over a million customers are already on the LEO platform. Before now, customers can only come to the bank, but today we are on social media and the launch of LEO has helped customer to get their complaints resolved without physically visiting the bank. Leo makes of available data to resolve complaints and where more information is needed, Leo will transfer the customer to human agents,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “Our customers are increasingly asking for mobile services that make their lives easier, and Leo is becoming a growing choice for his convenience and personal solutions,” he said.

    Read also: Army repels Boko Haram attack in Yobe

    Leo combines the latest technology in AI; predictive analytics and natural language, to be a virtual financial assistant to customers, who can interact with it any way they choose, including texting or tapping options on their screen.

    Leo has proven to be an important financial assistant, helping users to search for transactions, view account history and balance, pay bills, as well as track spending trends. Leo is also developing interest in other aspects of users’ lives and currently helps them to check football scores and weather information. Leo will continue to learn and become more involved in the lives of users to better meet their needs and address their queries.

    “As we continue to advance our work on AI-driven developments, it is important that we listen to our users today and further enhance Leo to align to client feedback in order to better meet and anticipate needs and even give them increased value as Leo clocks one,” Abolusoro added.

     

  • Facebook’s WhatsApp limits users to five text forwards to curb rumours

    Facebook Inc’s (FB.O) WhatsApp is limiting worldwide the number of times a user can forward a message to five, starting on Monday, the popular messaging service looks to fight “misinformation and rumours”, company executives said on Monday.

    Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups.

    The limit of five is in expansion of a measure WhatsApp put in place in India in July after the spread of rumours on social media led to killings and lynching attempts.

    “We’re imposing a limit of five messages all over the world as of today,” Victoria Grand, Vice President for Policy and Communications at WhatsApp, said at an event in the Indonesian capital.

    WhatsApp, which has around 1.5 billion users, has been trying to find ways to stop misuse of the app.

    This followed global concern that the platform was being used to spread fake news, manipulated photos, videos without context, and audio hoaxes, with no way to monitor their origin or full reach.

    The messaging service became part of the political battleground in Brazil’s presidential election on Oct., 2019, with far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro facing claims of using the app to spread falsehoods related to his main opponent.

    Bolsonaro, who ended up coasting to victory, has denied the charges.

    Read also: NBA asks FG to discontinue CJN’s trial at CCT

    The messaging app was also used to mobilise support for a massive truckers strike in Brazil during May 2018.

    The truckers strike blocked the country’s main roadways for about 10 days and hampered everything from fuel deliveries to gas stations to shipments of commodities at ports.

    The app’s end-to-end encryption allows groups of hundreds of users to exchange texts, photos and video beyond the oversight of independent fact checkers or even the platform itself.

    WhatsApp will roll out an update to activate the new forward limit, starting on Monday, WhatsApp’s head of communications Carl Woog said.

    Users of devices running Google’s Android system will receive the update first, followed by users of Apple Inc’s (AAPL.O) iOS. (Reuters/NAN)

  • Google Developers trains youths in mobile applications development in Nasarawa

    Google Developers Group (GDG) says, it has organised free training for 100 youths on how to build mobile applications for iOS, Android and iPhone to solve real life problems in Nasarawa State.

    Auwal Muhammad, Lafia (GDG) facilitator, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lafia.

    Muhammad said the training was organised for young people, who had passion for new technology particularly mobile applications development.

    “Today Google developers group are training 100 young people for free on how to build mobile applications that can solve real life problems in the society.

    “By the end of the training, this young people will be able to build mobile applications for iOS, Android and iPhone that can solve problems.

    “We are training them on how to write a sentence in a particular language and convert it to English and other languages,” he said.

    According to him, the current Facebook, Whatsapp, camera, are mobile applications developed by people to solve problems as well as sending messages without paying the network providers.

    One of the participants, Tasiu Kwaplong, told NAN that the training would help him in mobile applications development, which he was already into.

    “The training is very interesting, I got to learn a lot about the new technology in mobile applications development and the best practices in mobile applications in general,” he said.

    On his part, Emmanuel Omaku, said he was grateful to GDG for bringing the training to Lafia, saying that the training has exposed him the more to new technology.

    NAN reports that GDG are a group of young people, recognised and supervised by Google to use Google to solve real life problems.

  • Dana Air Introduces ‘Smart Booking’ on WhatsApp

    Dana Air has taken a bold step to revolutionize the ease of booking tickets with the introduction of the ‘smart booking’ on WhatsApp.

    According to the airline, with the ‘Smart Booking’ on WhatsApp, passengers  can now book and pay immediately, book and pay later, register for Dana Miles or get details of their Dana miles account, get flight update, make inquiries, reservations and lots more.

    Speaking on the airline’s cutting edge initiative in the industry, The Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating officer of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo said, Dana Air continues to lead the pack with its innovative ways of getting customers to book with ease and take advantage of the multiple  benefits of interacting with us on our social media platforms especially WhatsApp.”

    Read Also: Dana Air deploys Boeing 737-700

    ‘We are always seeking ways to ensure that we offer the best of service and that our customer-centric products appeals to everybody.

    ”For us, nothing stops you from getting a booking even when you have too many things to do. Just a chat and you will get your booking code to pay conveniently when less busy or before expiry on our website www.flydanaair.com or at any of sales outlets Nationwide.”

    ‘In 2017, when we launched our self-service kiosk located at MMA2, which enables travelers to book, pay, reschedule or check-in without joining the queue, we promised to continue to deploy necessary technology not just to guarantee ease of booking but to continually exceed the flying aspirations of our guests, and we are delighted to have introduced the smart booking in furtherance of our vision to become Nigeria’s most customer-friendly airline.’’

  • UBA’s Leo launched on WhatsApp

    United Bank for Africa (UBA) has announced the commencement of its chat bank ‘Leo’ on the WhatsApp platform.

    With Leo on WhatsApp, customers who are users and lovers of the app can now can perform basic banking services including checking their balances on the go, transferring funds, paying bills, among other services.

    The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA,  Kennedy Uzoka, who expressed excitement about the development remarked that the bank is continuously working in line with customers’ demand to ensure that banking services are made convenient and without stress.

    He said, “This only goes to show that our resolve in continuing to deploy innovative solutions that place customers first, using cutting edge technology for their collective satisfaction and excellent banking experience is important to us. This recognition will further spur us to do more in meeting the needs of our customers with unrivalled services.”

    “Our recent launch of Leo in 13 other African countries is evidence that UBA has on its agenda, the objective of digital creativity especially in service for our trusted customer base across the African continent.”

    Also speaking on the new service, the Group Head of UBA’s Online Banking, Austine Abolusoro, stated “United Bank for Africa is a technology-driven institution with vast knowledge in the business that we do and Leo, being a tested dependable and intelligent personality, will replicate on WhatsApp, the success it has experienced on the Facebook Messenger platform.  It is a solution that is from the customer’s standpoint, easy to use by anyone regardless of your demography.” “Leo is ready and waiting to help with any form of banking services,” continued Abolusoro.

    WhatsApp has been in existence for over nine years, reaching more than 1.5 billion people in over 180 countries. The premium private chat platform has assured that there will be no spam messages as the development is to enable businesses serve their customers with useful and helpful information.