Security/Privacy concern as whatsapp just relies on phone number

[vchacko]

This is a privacy/security concern. I haven't tested it with openwhatsapp yet.

In my mobile, in whatsapp.

I have a cousin who used a number for few years and that number is with me. Almost a year back, he bought new number and he gave a call to me. I added his new number to my address-book. At some point of time, he cancelled his previous connection, but I was never aware.

When I registered with whatsapp recently, I saw a girl's picture on his whats app profile. On investigation, I found that his previous number is re-issued by the service provider to a girl and she uses it for whatsapp.

For another cousin's photo, I see the photo of Director General of Police, Kerala, India. It is the same case I believe.

I have nearly 10 people's name with someone else's photo. I am pretty sure if I message them on whatsapp, message will go to wrong person which is a privacy/security issue. Whatsapp should verify the names on both ends before adding one's profile.

Varghese Chacko
Just another Perl/Python Hacker

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[CODeRUS]

There is delete account option in whatsapp removing subscription and both users should add each other. If you ignoring this option it's not whatsapp fault :)