Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

WhatsApp Arms Itself for Payments in India With WhatsApp's parent Facebook embroiled in data privacy controversies, numerous questions have been raised about the app's payments feature

By Sanchita Dash

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Entrepreneur India

The Indian digital payments space is rapidly expanding. From the likes of PayTm having established themselves in the sector to new entrants looking to ease it further for users, there's no stopping the digital revolution in payments.

Given India's evolving market, it comes as no surprise that established players in other sectors too are looking at giving payments a chance. With over 200 million active users, WhatsApp is now set to launch WhatsApp payments in India. Having rolled a beta version earlier, the messaging platform is now ready to roll out the feature to all users.

But it's not going to be easy. With WhatsApp's parent Facebook embroiled in data privacy controversies, numerous questions have been raised about the app's payments feature with the most important one being - How safe is it really?

As WhatsApp readies itself to step into the world of payments in India, it is arming itself to ensure a smooth rollout.

Entrepreneur India takes a look at how the messaging platform is taking a cautious approach to ensure that the payments feature is well accepted without any hiccups.

UPI enabled

To have a mass approach for its payments feature, WhatsApp had partnered with National Payments Council of India and adhered to the rules and regulations for the rollout of the feature. WhatsApp's payments feature will be UPI enabled and will also "reflect the addition of payment interoperability features".

Update of its Privacy Policy

With Facebook immersed in data privacy controversies and issues, it comes as no surprise that WhatsApp's credibility was questioned by many. People also wondered about how much of the data will be passed on to its parent company Facebook. However, WhatsApp had earlier said that it shares limited data from its payment service with Facebook.

In a statement released to the press, WhatsApp said, "We'll be updating our WhatsApp payments Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to provide simpler language on how the payments feature operates. It also reflects the addition of payment interoperability features we've added since the beta started. We've worked closely with NPCI, our bank partners, and the Indian government on these details of how our service works. We look forward to expanding WhatsApp payments soon."

24-hour customer service

The messaging platform is cautiously venturing into the payments space. Considering the initial confusion or problems that could emerge with the payments feature, they are also looking at a 24-hour on call customer support. To have a mass outreach the call support will be available not just in English but also Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati and initially.

Sanchita Dash

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Senior Correspondent, Entrepreneur India

In the business of news for 5 years now. Making my way across India thanks to my career. A media graduate from Symbiosis, Pune, I have earlier worked with Deccan Chronicle (South India's leading English daily), T-Hub (India's largest incubator) and Anthill Ventures (a speed-scaling platform). 

Stories, movies and PJs are my thing. 

If you hear 'The Office' opening score randomly, don't worry it's just my phone ringing. 

 

Fundraising

You've Got Dueling $100K Offers From Investors. How Do You Know Who to Choose?

On this episode of "Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch," one contestant has a very good problem to solve.

Business News

'Unfair and Unjust': JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Says Federal Banking Regulations Are 'Hurting Companies'

Dimon said it is "time to fight back" against federal regulations at a conference on Monday.

Career

Personal Accountability Will Push You Forward and Help You Grow in Business and in Life — Here's How to Practice It

There is a startling lack of personal accountability today. Exercising personal accountability will push you forward both personally and professionally.

Business News

Want to Start a Small Business? Here Are the Best States to Try (and the Ones to Avoid).

Plus, here's how many businesses closed in your state last year.