In recent weeks, Indian users have experienced a significant increase in international spam calls on WhatsApp. These calls often originate from country codes associated with Indonesia (+62), Vietnam (+84), Malaysia (+60), Kenya (+254), and Ethiopia (+251). Users have reported receiving multiple calls and messages from these countries, causing frustration and inconvenience.

There are several potential root causes for this surge in spam calls:

• Firstly, data breaches and leaks may have exposed users' personal information, including their phone numbers. Spammers could have obtained this data and used it to target users with unsolicited calls and messages.
• Secondly, spammers might have employed methods to harvest phone numbers from public directories, social media profiles, or online forums. These acquired numbers could then be used to launch spam campaigns, including WhatsApp calls. -Thirdly, automated dialing systems or robocalls could be responsible for the increase in spam calls. These systems can simultaneously target a large number of phone numbers using random or sequential combinations.
• Another possible cause is international call spoofing, where spammers use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to manipulate the caller ID and make it appear as if the calls are originating from different countries. By using country codes associated with the mentioned countries, they try to make the calls seem legitimate or confuse recipients.
• Lastly, the profit motive is a driving factor behind spam calls. Spammers may employ fraudulent schemes, phishing attempts, or promote questionable products/services to generate revenue. The high volume of spam calls suggests that spammers believe there is a sufficient return on investment to continue their activities.

Indian WhatsApp users have found themselves trapped in a web of escalating terror, haunted by an unnerving surge of spam calls originating from international numbers. The situation has become so dire that the Indian government has taken up arms, poised to deliver a formidable notice to none other than WhatsApp itself, seeking retribution for these harrowing reports.

India, among the most ill-fated nations, finds itself ensnared in the clutches of spam calls and messages, as revealed by Truecaller's damning data for 2021. A distressing ranking of ninth out of the 20 countries surveyed solidifies its position as a primary target for these intrusive and unwelcome disturbances.

Aware of the mounting menace, WhatsApp, the renowned messaging behemoth, has marshaled its forces, deploying advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems to wage war against the proliferation of false information and misleading content within India. Their battle strategy is twofold: reducing the current call rate by a staggering half and effectively stemming the insidious tide of falsehoods that has been flooding the nation.

Steps for Individual-Level Protection:

• Users have the option to block and report these numbers to prevent further communication.
• When a contact is blocked, any messages, calls, or status updates sent by the blocked contact during the blocking period will not be received.
• To block a number on WhatsApp, the user can initiate a chat with the contact, then access the menu by tapping on "More," followed by "Block" and selecting the "Block" option.
• Additionally, reporting a contact can be done by tapping on "Report contact" and then selecting "Block."
• An alternative method to block a contact involves opening the WhatsApp application, accessing the settings by tapping on "More options," then "Settings."
• Within the settings, the user should navigate to "Privacy" and select "Blocked contacts."
• To block a specific contact, the user can tap on "Add," search for the desired contact, and choose to block them.

Innovative safeguards WhatsApp can deploy against intrusive spam calls

• Telegram's "Allow Contacts Only" feature limits communication to your approved contacts, helping you avoid distractions and unwanted interactions.
• This feature ensures that you can focus on important conversations with people you know and trust, enhancing your productivity and concentration.
• By using "Allow Contacts Only," your messaging platform protects your privacy by ensuring that you only receive messages from individuals you have approved.
• In addition to this feature, Telegram offers various privacy settings and controls, including blocking specific contacts, reporting and blocking spam, and controlling your online status visibility.
• Customizing your messaging experience according to your preferences and requirements becomes possible with Telegram's privacy options, including "Allow Contacts Only," enabling you to maintain privacy and meaningful connections with your approved contacts.