The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has teamed up with Meta to introduce a groundbreaking dual One-Time Password (OTP) mechanism, aimed at thwarting the surge in WhatsApp account hacks through enhanced verification and quick recovery options.

In response to a sharp increase in WhatsApp hacking incidents involving social engineering and online fraud, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially partnered with Meta to develop and implement a new security system called “Meta OTP” or “double OTP.” This innovative feature adds an extra layer of protection by generating a secondary OTP automatically three minutes after the initial one during login or verification processes. If the first OTP is compromised—often through tactics like phishing calls, impersonation as service agents, or fake courier scams—users can use the second code to immediately regain control of their accounts, minimizing potential damage such as financial fraud targeting contacts.

The collaboration stems from ongoing technical discussions between PTA and Meta, with the system set to launch as a pilot in Pakistan before potentially expanding to other countries, prioritizing the region due to the notable rise in account takeovers over the past year. PTA officials have highlighted the urgency of this measure, noting that previous awareness campaigns were insufficient against evolving threats, and emphasize that the time-delayed verification will disrupt hackers’ methods reliant on stolen credentials. Users are still advised to avoid sharing OTPs, report suspicious activities, and stay vigilant to complement the new tool.

This partnership underscores a proactive approach to cybersecurity in digital communications, potentially reducing scams and enhancing user safety across Pakistan’s vast WhatsApp user base.