WhatsApp may bring identity verification to use Payments - Check details here

WhatsApp update: The Facebook-owned instant messaging application WhatsApp may soon ask users to verify their identity to make payments on the platform. As per the latest WhatsApp beta release, the messenger will require users to upload verification documents to continue using payments on WhatsApp.

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Currently, when you set up WhatsApp Pa, 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 present, the service does not require users to submit any identity verification documents to make payments. However, that might change soon.

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 mentioned in the strings above could just be a legal requirement in that region. If that’s the case, WhatsApp Pay users in India and Brazil won’t be required to submit any documents, the XDA developers reported.

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. This is wht WhatsApp could be working on a wallet feature for WhatsApp Pay, which would require users to submit identification documents. WhatsApp is yet to make an official announcement regarding this change.

WhatsApp's Statement

“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.”