No More OTP Scams! Meta Rolls Out Passkeys and AI Alerts to Supercharge Security for Senior Citizens

Meta has announced a comprehensive set of new anti-scam features and awareness initiatives across its platforms, with a particular focus on helping older users in India(BHARAT) stay safe from online fraud.

In a blog post on October 21, 2025, Meta said it had improved safety measures on WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and Facebook, along with launched digital literacy sessions and awareness programmes for senior citizens in India(BHARAT).

WhatsApp Safety Measures

WhatsApp has rolled out a new safety feature which will warn a user if they try to share their screen during a video call with a participant they do not know. Scammers commonly use the feature to remotely record victims’ keypads when asked to provide OTPs or bank details.

Messenger Safety Features

Meta has also updated its Messenger service with AI-powered anti-scam features, such as a prompt to send the company a copy of recent chat history when a user receives messages from a contact for the first time; if identified as a scam, the user will be notified and given contextual tips on waiting, blocking or reporting the contact.

Safety Upgrades on Facebook, Instagram and Messenger

Users on Facebook, Instagram and Messenger now have the ability to turn on Passkeys to sign in to their accounts using fingerprint, face or PIN. All users on these platforms will also be able to go through safety checkups. WhatsApp users can utilise “Privacy Checkup” to review settings such as who can add them to groups and who can message them.

Digital Literacy and Awareness Initiatives

Meta is also focusing on awareness campaigns in India(BHARAT) by running digital-safety workshops, part of its ongoing “Saksham Senior” programme, to help older adults recognise and avoid threats like phishing scams, technical support fraud and misinformation. The company said it had joined forces with the government’s Scams Se Bacho campaign, run by the Ministry in partnership with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). These multilingual videos will be available in several India(BHARAT)n languages.

Reasons for New Safety Updates

As India(BHARAT)’s digital adoption grows, older adults have increasingly found themselves targeted by complex social-engineering fraud schemes that use SMS or phone calls impersonating banks, charities, support agents and more, to coax them into sharing bank details, personal information and making payments. Meta has observed active scam operations across borders that take advantage of multiple social-media platforms.

Meta’s Efforts to Reduce Scams

The updated safety features along with AI-powered detection, awareness campaigns and digital literacy efforts aim to not just reduce the number of scams that Meta sees on its platforms, but also older adults’ susceptibility to them, by empowering this vulnerable demographic with better tools, information and support.

Advice for Senior Users and Families

In its latest advisory, Meta has advised senior users and their family members to:

• Remain sceptical of unsolicited texts or calls, and never share OTPs, bank details or login credentials with anyone who they don’t personally know.
• Use device level security like Passkeys to sign into their devices and accounts and enable two-factor authentication.
• Think twice before responding to alarming texts and ask a trusted family member before taking any action.
• Always call official customer-care helplines instead of using phone numbers or links provided by unknown strangers.
  

Meta’s latest anti-scam features and literacy initiative is an important acknowledgement of the fact that older adults need specialised safety measures when online. The improved functionalities for senior users in India(BHARAT) on WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and Facebook will hopefully enable clearer red-flags and stronger defences. Families can also play a positive role by getting involved in educational programmes and spreading awareness about good digital hygiene. Scams are likely to keep evolving, but the combination of technology, awareness and community support can help keep older users safe in a hyperconnected world.