Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp launched a new safety campaign ‘Stay Safe with WhatsApp‘ on Wednesday in an attempt to make using smartphones safer.

With the integrated safety campaign, the company is trying to empower users to take control of their online safety and ensure a safer messaging experience.

To create awareness around safer digital practices, WhatsApp will highlight four key safety features that one should follow as part of the campaign. These features will prevent online abuse and promote security, according to the company.

The three-month-long campaign will highlight simple yet effective ways to enable WhatsApp safety features so users can enjoy more time online. The core safety principles of the tech company include two-step verification, blocking and reporting accounts, and changing privacy settings on personal details and for group chats.

Two-step verification:
Enabling two-step verification will add a much-needed additional layer of security to the WhatsApp account. The verification feature requires a six-digit PIN when resetting and verifying the WhatsApp account. This feature will come in handle if an individual loses his/her SIM card or the smartphone is compromised.

Blocking and reporting accounts:
It is crucial to block and report suspicious accounts on WhatsApp since it is a private platform to communicate with loved ones. If unknown numbers send problematic messages with suspicious links, requesting access to personal information, users must ‘block and report’ the account. They won’t be contacted by blocked contacts.

Change privacy settings
Control who sees personal details: Personal details like profile photo, last seen, online status, bio, status, and who sees it must be managed by users. They have the freedom to let everyone, all contacts, select contacts, or no one, see the personal information. Keeping personal details private can keep users safe from unwanted attention.

Group privacy settings: To have a safe messaging experience, WhatsApp gives users the freedom to decide who can add them to groups, thanks to its privacy setting and group invite system. If you find yourself in a group chat that’s not for you, you can choose to exit a group privately without having to notify everyone.

As part of the campaign, WhatsApp is looking to educate users about its in-built product features and safety tools that can keep them safe from online scams, frauds and account-compromising threats. The campaign also focuses on the importance of safeguarding your WhatsApp account to ensure you remain safe and protected at all times.

In a statement to the media, Shivnath Thukral, Director – the Public Policy India of Meta, said, “User safety is at the core of everything we do at WhatsApp which is why we’re launching our safety campaign “Stay Safe with WhatsApp,” in an effort to drive user-awareness around WhastApp’s safety tools and product features that can help keep users safe from online scams and frauds. Over the years we have added layers of security and protection with innovative features that empower users to take control of their online safety. This campaign is an important reminder for people on how they can safeguard themselves in today’s digital-first world and aims to reinforce consumer habits that ensure key safety features on WhatsApp become second nature to users so that they can stay safe from messaging scams and to protect their friends and family.”