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No, ISIS is not after your WhatsApp profile pictures

Written by : TNM Staff

For the past few days a forward asking people to change their WhatsApp display pictures has been circulating on the messaging service, because ISIS was after it.

The message attributed to Delhi Police Commissioner AK Mittal, warns users to change their display pictures if they have put their own photos for the next 20-25 days.  

The Hindi version of the message, however, also asks users to share the message among their contacts, especially women.

Warning is not the only thing the message attempts to convey. There’s some reassurance too.

“Whatsapp CEO has requested all people to remove personal pics for the next 20-25 days. Whatsapp engineers are trying their best to keep ur app safe,” reads a part of the message.

According to The Indian Express, True Caller app shows that the phone number said to be the Delhi Police Commissioner’s has to one Arshad Ali. The number has since been reported as spam.

The English message reads:

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Hi Friends

If you have put your own pic in ur display picture,  then please remove it immediately. Because ISIS is trying to capture it and they have hackers who will use ur number in a wrong way. Those people are going to misuse your photo. Whatsapp  CEO has requested all people to remove personal pics for the next 20-25 days. Whatsapp  engineers are trying their best to keep ur app safe. Please co-operate. Please forward to your near and dear ones.

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