WhatsApp may soon ask users to verify identity to make payments

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Facebook-owned WhatsApp may soon ask users to verify their identity to make payments on the platform.

According to XDA Developers, new strings spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta release suggest that the messenger will require users to upload verification documents to continue using payments on WhatsApp.

Currently, when users set up WhatsApp Pay in India, the service only verifies the phone number linked to your bank account to enable UPI-based transactions.

In Brazil, the messenger uses Facebook Pay to validate users' credit or debit cards to facilitate payments. At the moment, the service doesn't require users to submit any identity verification documents to make payments. However, that might change soon, the report said.

WhatsApp v2.21.22.6 beta includes a few new strings which suggest that users might have to submit identity verification documents to continue using payments.

The identity verification might be limited to those who use WhatsApp Pay to receive payments for their businesses.

UPI-based apps, like Google Pay, PhonePe and even WhatsApp Pay don't require users to submit any documents to transfer or receive money. However, wallet apps like PayTM do ask for KYC verification as per RBI guidelines.

"In India, Payments on WhatsApp does not require any verification documents. Payments on WhatsApp is approved by National Payments Corporation of India and powered by BHIM UPI that enables transactions with legitimate banking partners. Like other UPI payment applications, a user needs to ensure that the mobile number is the same as the one linked to their bank account, to start sending and receiving money, through payments on WhatsApp," said WhatsApp India Spokesperson.

With inputs from IANS