When Brain Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp visited India earlier this year, he revealed an interest in delivering digital payment services through WhatsApp. And why not, theirs is a social messaging platform with over 1.2 billion users worldwide, and in India alone the number for active users crosses 200 million.
So, when The Ken reported that WhatsApp is keen to get on board the digital payment wagon in India with the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), it was an expected move.
WhatsApp’s job listing now includes a post of Digital Transactions Lead for India and the job requirements clearly highlight that the lead will be assigned a team to spearhead the digital payment revolution in the country. The person will be based out of California, and these are some of the requirements that the candidate should have.
WhatsApp Job profile
- Knowledge of India and its culture
- Ability to use and learn the iOS, Android, and Windows Phone operating systems Ability to understand and explain UPI, BHIM, Aadhar number
The last point all but reaffirms The Ken report, and shows us the direction in which WhatsApp wants to move next in India.
WhatsApp and UPI: The Right Match?
UPI was ceremoniously greeted in the country last year, pushing for a unified platform for payment.
Also Read: United Payment Interface: How Will it Make Life Simpler for You?
With WhatsApp’s 200 million user base, UPI now stands a chance of surpassing the market leader Paytm, when the payment feature becomes operational.
WhatsApp and UPI could form a potent tag team, and with WhatsApp messages already encrypted, payments will likely get adequate security.
Will it Work?
Teaming up with UPI may get government support for WhatsApp which will make things easier for them.
It remains to be seen whether WhatsApp manages to find the right balance with its features. Also, its operations will be handled from the United States. Well, that could pose a problem for the country’s regime.
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