WhatsApp Safety: Key Notes & Top 25 MCQs for UPSC Exams
If you use WhatsApp only for chatting and sending photos and videos, then you are ignoring its real use. WhatsApp is no longer just a messaging app but has become a digital tool that can make your personal, professional, and social life extremely easy. Whether you are a student, a businessman, or a home user, smartly using WhatsApp is now the need of the hour. In this post, we will tell you how you can use all the features of WhatsApp properly—and make it a time saver, not just a time pass.
WhatsApp: Safe Use Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Enable Two-Step Verification | Add an extra layer of security to your account by enabling two-step verification under Settings > Account. |
| Control Privacy Settings | Set who can see your profile photo, status, and last seen from the privacy section to avoid unwanted visibility. |
| Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links | Never click on unknown or shortened links, especially from unfamiliar contacts or forwarded messages. |
| Report and Block Spam | If you receive spam or abuse, use the "Report" and "Block" options in the chat menu to protect your account. |
| Backup Chats Securely | Use Google Drive or iCloud to back up chats and make sure your backups are encrypted. |
What are the features of WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has many features that every user should know to get the full benefit of it.
WhatsApp Web has made it possible for you to send and receive messages from your computer.
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With the Starred Messages feature, you can mark important messages and easily find them later.
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With group descriptions and admin controls, you can improve professional group management.
Your privacy is protected by features like chat locks and vanishing messages.
What are the educational uses of WhatsApp?
In today's time, WhatsApp is not just a means of personal chat but has also become a learning and training tool.
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In education groups, students and teachers can share timely notes, assignments, and class updates.
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Business users can use the WhatsApp Business app, which has features like automatic greetings, a catalog, and quick replies.
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Teachers and trainers can inform many people simultaneously through WhatsApp broadcast lists.
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This platform makes it easy to exchange e-learning videos, PDFs, podcasts, etc.
Digital multitasking: Around a round table, a woman uses WhatsApp on her mobile while surrounded by coffee, a tablet, and connected moments.How to manage security and privacy on WhatsApp?
Smart use of WhatsApp is possible only when you understand and apply its privacy settings properly.
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By enabling two-step verification, you can protect your account from hacking.
It is safer to set "Only My Contacts" for the profile picture, status, and last seen.
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Think before clicking on any suspicious link or message from an unknown number.
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Keeping the group invitation setting to "My Contacts" or "My Contacts Except" prevents joining unwanted groups.
How is WhatsApp Business a great solution for small businesses?
If you are a small business owner, WhatsApp Business can become a powerful medium for your growth.
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You can create a catalog of your products, which customers can view directly from the chat.
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Professional experience can be given to the customer through automatic greetings and a quick reply.
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You can manage customer inquiries with labels, such as "new customer," "payment pending," etc.
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You can send delivery updates, offers, and reminders to customers on time.
WhatsApp Uses
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal Messaging | Send instant text, voice, image, and video messages to family and friends across the world. |
| Group Communication | Create groups to coordinate with classmates, colleagues, or social circles using multimedia and polls. |
| Business Communication | Use WhatsApp Business to interact with customers, provide support, and share product catalogs. |
| Education & Learning | Teachers and students share notes, assignments, and updates through class-based WhatsApp groups. |
| Security Features | End-to-end encryption protects user privacy and offers secure communication across all devices. |
How to maintain digital wellness while using WhatsApp?
Excessive use can cause mental stress, so it is even more important to be a smart user.
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Avoid unnecessary distractions by controlling notifications and paying attention only to important messages.
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Use Digital Wellness or Screen Time to track WhatsApp usage time.
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If needed, mute or leave groups where too much time is being wasted.
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Instead of checking WhatsApp throughout the day, check two or three times a day at fixed times.
How to be cautious of fake messages, false claims, and rumors on WhatsApp?
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Do not forward fake messages without verifying them, no matter how credible they may seem.
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Check the authenticity of false claims on Google or the official website.
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Report and block if someone repeatedly sends messages spreading rumors.
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Take help from fact-checking websites like Alt News or PIB Fact Check.
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If the message says, “This is the government’s order”, cross-check it on a government portal.
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Make children and the elderly aware of fake news and explain it to them.
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If a message spreads fear or incites emotions, do not take it seriously.
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Share only credible information in WhatsApp groups and delete the rest.
Unsourced audio and video clips should be viewed with suspicion.
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Don’t assume that a message is viral just because it is true—verification is necessary.
How to make children use WhatsApp safely?
It is important to educate children and teens on the safe use of social media.
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Keep children’s WhatsApp under parental guidance and monitor their activity.
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Teach them not to share any personal information like OTP, address, or photos with strangers.
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Teach them to block and report if someone harasses them.
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Set well-timed limits for children so that both studies and social life are balanced.
Top 25 MCQs on WhatsApp & Safety for UPSC Exams
Practice the Top 25 MCQs on WhatsApp and Security to understand digital communication risks, strengthen cybersecurity awareness, and enhance exam readiness for UPSC prelims and other competitive examinations.
1. What does "End-to-End Encryption" (E2EE) mean in WhatsApp?
a) Messages are encrypted only on the server
b) Only the sender and recipient can read the message, not even WhatsApp
c) Messages are password protected
d) Messages are deleted instantly
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Answer: b) Only the sender and recipient can read the message, not even WhatsApp
E2EE acts like a digital lock where only the sender and the recipient hold the special key to unlock and read the message.
2. "Two-Step Verification" adds an extra layer of security by requiring:
a) A fingerprint
b) A 6-digit PIN created by you
c) A voice scan
d) An email confirmation every time
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Answer: b) A 6-digit PIN created by you
This PIN is required when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again, preventing SIM-swap hackers from stealing your account.
3. What happens to a photo sent with the "View Once" feature enabled?
a) It saves to the gallery automatically
b) It disappears from the chat after the recipient opens it once
c) It stays for 24 hours
d) It is posted to status
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Answer: b) It disappears from the chat after the recipient opens it once
View Once media cannot be forwarded, saved, starred, or shared, and screenshots are blocked for added privacy.
4. Which underlying encryption protocol does WhatsApp use?
a) Signal Protocol
b) HTTPS Protocol
c) Telegram Protocol
d) OpenPGP
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Answer: a) Signal Protocol
Developed by Open Whisper Systems, the Signal Protocol is the industry standard for state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption.
5. The "Chat Lock" feature allows users to:
a) Permanently delete a chat
b) Move specific chats to a secure folder accessible only via device biometrics/PIN
c) Stop receiving messages
d) Encrypt only one chat
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Answer: b) Move specific chats to a secure folder accessible only via device biometrics/PIN
Locked chats are hidden from the main inbox, and their notification content is also hidden for maximum privacy.
6. What should you NEVER share with anyone, even if they claim to be from WhatsApp?
a) Your Profile Picture
b) Your 6-digit SMS Registration Code
c) Your Status
d) Your Name
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Answer: b) Your 6-digit SMS Registration Code
Scammers ask for this code to hijack your account on their device. WhatsApp never asks you to share this code.
7. "Disappearing Messages" can be set to automatically delete messages after:
a) 1 hour, 12 hours, or 1 day
b) 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days
c) 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year
d) Only 7 days
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Answer: b) 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days
Users can enable this as a default for new chats to keep their digital footprint clean and save storage space.
8. If you receive a message marked "Forwarded many times" (double arrow icon), what limitation applies?
a) You cannot forward it at all
b) You can forward it to only 1 chat at a time
c) You can forward it to 5 chats
d) It will disappear
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Answer: b) You can forward it to only 1 chat at a time
This restriction is designed to slow down the spread of viral misinformation, fake news, and rumors on the platform.
9. To verify that a chat is encrypted, you can scan the contact's:
a) Profile QR Code
b) Security Code (QR) in contact info
c) Payment QR Code
d) Group invite link
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Answer: b) Security Code (QR) in contact info
Comparing the 60-digit number or scanning the QR code ensures no "man-in-the-middle" has intercepted your chat.
10. What is the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature?
a) It blocks all calls
b) It automatically declines calls from numbers not in your contacts
c) It records the call
d) It sends a busy tone
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Answer: b) It automatically declines calls from numbers not in your contacts
The phone won't ring, but the call will show in your call list. This protects against spam and scam calls.
11. Are WhatsApp Cloud Backups (Google Drive/iCloud) encrypted by default?
a) Yes, always
b) No, unless you turn on "End-to-End Encrypted Backup"
c) Only on iPhone
d) Only on Android
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Answer: b) No, unless you turn on "End-to-End Encrypted Backup"
Standard backups are accessible to the cloud provider. E2EE Backups secure them with a password/key known only to you.
12. What does the "Linked Devices" feature allow?
a) Using WhatsApp on up to 4 companion devices without the phone being online
b) Linking to Facebook
c) Linking to Instagram
d) Connecting two phones with one number
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Answer: a) Using WhatsApp on up to 4 companion devices without the phone being online
You can use WhatsApp Web or Desktop even if your main phone is switched off or has no internet.
13. "Passkeys" on WhatsApp allows users to log in using:
a) A long password
b) Face ID, Fingerprint, or Screen Lock instead of SMS
c) Email verification
d) Admin approval
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Answer: b) Face ID, Fingerprint, or Screen Lock instead of SMS
This modern security method replaces the need for SMS OTPs, making logins faster and more secure against phishing.
14. When you "Report" a contact or group, what data is sent to WhatsApp?
a) Your entire chat history
b) The last 5 messages from that chat
c) Only the contact's number
d) Your location
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Answer: b) The last 5 messages from that chat
WhatsApp moderators review these last 5 messages to check for violations of Terms of Service (like spam or illegal content).
15. The "Protect IP Address in Calls" setting helps to:
a) Improve call quality
b) Hide your location from the other person by relaying calls through WhatsApp servers
c) Record the call
d) Use less data
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Answer: b) Hide your location from the other person by relaying calls through WhatsApp servers
Normally, calls are peer-to-peer (revealing IPs). This setting adds privacy but might slightly reduce call quality.
16. How can you ensure nobody sees when you are "Online"?
a) Turn off "Last Seen" and "Online" in Privacy settings
b) Block everyone
c) Turn off Read Receipts
d) Use Airplane mode
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Answer: a) Turn off "Last Seen" and "Online" in Privacy settings
You can set "Who can see when I'm online" to "Same as Last Seen" and set Last Seen to "Nobody."
17. Which indicator shows that a message has been read by the recipient?
a) Single Grey Tick
b) Double Grey Tick
c) Double Blue Tick
d) Clock Icon
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Answer: c) Double Blue Tick
Single grey = Sent; Double grey = Delivered; Double blue = Read. You can disable this by turning off "Read Receipts."
18. What is the danger of using unauthorized apps like "GBWhatsApp" or "WhatsApp Plus"?
a) They have too many ads
b) Your account can be banned and your data security is compromised
c) They drain battery
d) They are expensive
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Answer: b) Your account can be banned and your data security is compromised
These modified apps do not guarantee end-to-end encryption and violate WhatsApp's Terms of Service.
19. The "Privacy Checkup" feature helps users to:
a) Check internet speed
b) Review and adjust all security settings in one place
c) Find new friends
d) Clean storage
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Answer: b) Review and adjust all security settings in one place
It guides you through settings like who can contact you, controlling personal info, and adding more protection.
20. If you change your phone number, which feature should you use to migrate your account?
a) Delete Account
b) Change Number feature
c) Create New Account
d) Just swap SIM
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Answer: b) Change Number feature
This migrates your account info, groups, and settings from your old phone number to the new one seamlessly.
21. "Admin Review" in groups allows admins to:
a) Read private messages of members
b) Delete messages sent by others for everyone
c) Bribe members
d) Hacking member phones
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Answer: b) Delete messages sent by others for everyone
Admins can moderate the group by deleting inappropriate messages. The chat will show "This message was deleted by admin."
22. What is "Live Location"?
a) A static map pin
b) Real-time tracking of your movement shared for a specific duration
c) A video of your location
d) Your home address
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Answer: b) Real-time tracking of your movement shared for a specific duration
You can share it for 15 min, 1 hour, or 8 hours. It is also end-to-end encrypted and can be stopped anytime.
23. "Screen Lock" for WhatsApp (App Lock) uses:
a) A separate password
b) The device's biometrics (FaceID/TouchID) to open the app
c) Voice command
d) GPS location
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Answer: b) The device's biometrics (FaceID/TouchID) to open the app
This ensures that even if your phone is unlocked, someone cannot open your WhatsApp without your biometric scan.
24. How can you identify a "Verified Business" on WhatsApp?
a) It has a green tick badge next to the contact name
b) It sends spam
c) It has a business logo
d) It has a blue tick
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Answer: a) It has a green tick badge next to the contact name
The green badge indicates that WhatsApp has verified that an authentic, notable brand owns this account.
25. A "Flash Call" is used for:
a) Taking a photo
b) Automated verification of your phone number during setup
c) Calling emergency services
d) Video calling
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Answer: b) Automated verification of your phone number during setup
WhatsApp calls your number and automatically ends it to verify the SIM card is present, without needing an SMS code.
.Conclusion—Make WhatsApp smart, safe, and profitable
WhatsApp is no longer just a chat app but has become a part of digital life. By using it smartly, you can improve your productivity, privacy, and social connections. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a housewife, the right use of the right features will keep you ahead. Keep in mind that the quality and utility of any technology depend on how well it is used.
Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites
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