As digital scams grow more sophisticated, Meta has unveiled a suite of new safety measures across its platforms to help older users navigate the online world with confidence. The effort, spanning WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger, underscores the tech giant’s evolving role in protecting vulnerable communities from a surge in cyber fraud.
A New Push for Digital Safety
On October 21, Meta announced a comprehensive set of anti-scam features and awareness programs aimed at safeguarding older adults and families from online fraud. The initiative builds upon the company’s ongoing efforts to make its platforms safer through design changes, public awareness campaigns, and collaborations with Indian authorities.
The move comes amid a worrying rise in scams targeting senior citizens—ranging from fraudulent investment offers to phishing attempts. Meta’s measures now include proactive alerts, AI-driven detection systems, and multilingual digital literacy drives, signaling a shift toward prevention rather than mere response.
On WhatsApp, one of India’s most widely used communication apps, users will now receive a warning when they attempt to share their screen with an unknown contact during a video call. The alert is intended to prevent scammers from coercing victims into revealing sensitive information such as bank account details or one-time passwords.
FCRF Launches CCLP Program to Train India’s Next Generation of Cyber Law Practitioners
Technology Meets Vigilance
Meta’s new approach blends technology with behavioral awareness. Across Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, the company has rolled out Passkey login support—allowing users to sign in using biometric authentication such as fingerprints or facial recognition. The goal, according to Meta, is to eliminate password vulnerabilities that scammers frequently exploit.
In parallel, Messenger now uses AI-powered scam detection. When a suspicious message arrives from a new contact, the system automatically alerts the user and can flag recent conversations for AI review. If a potential scam is detected, Messenger provides contextual information about common fraud tactics and offers options to block or report the sender.
Users are also encouraged to perform security checkups on Facebook and Instagram or privacy audits on WhatsApp to ensure their accounts are protected. These tools allow people to review privacy settings and adopt stronger security practices with just a few taps.
Building Digital Literacy, One Family at a Time
Beyond technology, Meta is emphasizing education as a critical defense. Its advisory for older adults and families urges vigilance against unsolicited messages and phone calls, and advises never sharing personal or financial information—especially under pressure.
Experts have long noted that scammers rely on urgency and fear to manipulate victims. “Pausing before acting is key,” reads the advisory, which encourages verifying claims with trusted family members or friends.
Meta also recommends using only official customer support channels and verified websites, avoiding random links or unverified forums. Families are encouraged to help seniors enable two-factor authentication and discuss common fraud patterns, from fake tech support calls to phishing traps.
The company has launched multiple outreach efforts in India to translate this advice into practice. Through its ‘Scams Se Bacho’ campaign in partnership with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Meta is producing multilingual educational videos to help older citizens recognize and report online scams
Collaboration and Community Awareness
The social media giant’s initiatives go beyond its own ecosystem. Meta is supporting the Saksham Senior initiative, which conducts digital literacy workshops across major Indian cities. These sessions cover topics like misinformation awareness, scam prevention, and safe digital communication—bridging the gap between fast-moving technology and those less familiar with it.
By partnering with public institutions and civic groups, Meta aims to create a safety net where education and technology reinforce each other.
“Our focus is to empower older adults to engage online without fear,” a Meta representative said. “Security must be accessible, understandable, and inclusive.”
