In a significant development, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has enforced strict measures, resulting in the banning of over 71 lakh accounts in India during November 2023. The revelation comes from India’s monthly report under the IT Rules, 2021, published on January 1, 2024. Notably, nearly 19.54 lakh accounts were proactively banned by WhatsApp before any user reports were lodged.
WhatsApp identifies Indian users through +91 phone numbers, a mechanism that played a vital role in the extensive account bans. The platform received 8,841 grievances during the same period, with action taken on six reported accounts. The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), established by the Government of India, submitted eight reports to WhatsApp, and the company promptly complied with all eight recommendations as reported by The Indian Express.
In response to the surge in account bans, WhatsApp released a statement emphasizing its commitment to user safety. The company stated, “This user-safety report contains details of the user complaints received and the corresponding action taken by WhatsApp, as well as WhatsApp’s preventive actions to combat abuse on our platform.”
Throughout the year, WhatsApp has consistently introduced security features to enhance user privacy and safety. These include end-to-end encryption, mute unknown number, and chat lock, contributing to making WhatsApp a private and secure cross-platform messaging service.
WhatsApp’s substantial crackdown on policy violations in India reflects the platform’s commitment to maintaining a secure online environment. With the banning of over 71 lakh accounts in just one month, WhatsApp’s proactive measures and collaboration with regulatory bodies underscore a robust approach to addressing user concerns and ensuring the integrity of its services. As the platform continues to enhance security features, users can expect ongoing efforts to safeguard privacy and uphold user safety.
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