New Delhi: WhatsApp, now under the umbrella of Meta, has embarked on a significant expansion of its services for Indian users, introducing advanced payment options and features aimed at fostering seamless interactions between users and businesses.
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Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta, unveiled a groundbreaking development, allowing WhatsApp users in India to make direct payments to businesses through the app. This feature offers a variety of payment methods, including UPI, debit cards, and credit cards. This innovation builds upon WhatsApp’s earlier launch of its payment service in Brazil and Singapore. To facilitate these extended payment options, WhatsApp has established partnerships with online payment solutions provider PayU and Bengaluru-based Razorpay. These collaborations will facilitate payments via credit and debit cards, net banking, and all widely used UPI apps in India.
Zuckerberg remarked, “This is going to make it even easier for Indian people to pay Indian businesses within a WhatsApp chat using their preferred payment method.”
Complementing the expanded payment options, Meta has introduced several additional features for Indian WhatsApp users:
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- Flows: Meta has introduced ‘Flows,’ a feature enabling businesses to provide a broader range of experiences within the chat. Users can now conveniently select train seats, place meal orders, or book appointments without leaving the chat. ‘Flows’ will soon be accessible to businesses worldwide through the WhatsApp Business Platform.
- Meta Verified: In an effort to enhance business credibility and visibility, Meta will introduce ‘Meta Verified’ for businesses using WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. This initiative stems from feedback received from businesses seeking ways to establish credibility and increase their visibility. Businesses that undergo the verification process will receive a verified badge, improved account support, impersonation protection, and additional features to enhance discoverability. WhatsApp will also extend premium features, including a customized web page and expanded multi-device support, to Meta Verified businesses.
The rollout of ‘Meta Verified’ will initially begin with small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app, with plans for future expansion to businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Zuckerberg expressed his enthusiasm for these developments, underscoring Meta’s commitment to continuously enhancing its toolkit to deliver maximum value to both businesses and users. These additions are poised to provide Indian WhatsApp users with a more comprehensive and seamless experience when engaging with businesses on the platform.