WhatsApp Suspends 9.7 Million Accounts in India for Violating Rules
Click to start listening
Synopsis
WhatsApp has suspended over 9.7 million accounts in India during February 2025 due to violations of its Terms of Service. The majority of these bans were proactive, stemming from the company's investment in AI-driven moderation and reporting tools to combat abusive behavior.
Key Takeaways
- 9.7 million accounts banned in February 2025.
- Proactive bans exceeded 1.4 million accounts.
- Investment in AI technology for user safety.
- Common reasons for bans include spamming and unsolicited messaging.
- Users can appeal bans through the app.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) WhatsApp announced on Tuesday that it has suspended over 9.7 million accounts in India throughout February 2025, attributing these actions to breaches of its Terms of Service.
As outlined in its most recent monthly safety report, a substantial number of these suspensions, exceeding 1.4 million accounts, were proactively identified and removed by WhatsApp prior to receiving any user complaints.
With a user base surpassing 500 million in India, the company clarified that these measures stemmed from its continuous investment in AI-driven moderation and sophisticated reporting tools.
"Over the years, WhatsApp has consistently devoted resources to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, employing data scientists and specialists, alongside implementing processes to maintain user safety on our platform," a WhatsApp representative elaborated.
These actions are taken to counteract abusive behavior on the platform and to cultivate a more secure environment for users.
"In compliance with the IT Rules 2021, our latest report details user complaints received, actions undertaken, and WhatsApp’s proactive stance on preventing abuse, including accounts that were banned proactively before any user reports," the representative stated.
The report indicates that while many suspensions arise from user complaints, WhatsApp also employs automated detection systems to pinpoint suspicious activities.
Frequent reasons for account suspensions include spamming, automation via bots or third-party applications, and adding users to groups without their consent.
Another cause for account suspension is unsolicited messaging, which involves contacting individuals using data acquired from unauthorized sources, particularly after a request to cease.
Disseminating fake news or misinformation and misusing broadcast lists can also result in account suspension.
WhatsApp urges users to act responsibly on the platform. The company recommends that users always seek consent before adding someone to a group, respect requests to halt messaging, refrain from forwarding unverified content, and use broadcast lists judiciously.
The company reminds users that harassment, defamation, and sharing false information contravene WhatsApp’s Terms of Service.
If users believe their account was erroneously banned, WhatsApp provides an appeal process. Users can submit an appeal directly through the app by entering a 6-digit code sent via SMS.
“Upon the submission of the request, WhatsApp will evaluate the case and offer a response,” the company stated.
