WhatsApp cracks down: 7.4 million accounts banned in India – unveiling the reasons!

In adherence to India’s IT Rules of 2021, popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has cracked down on over 7.4 million accounts in the country. The stringent measures were taken during the period of August 1-31, marking a significant move in user safety and compliance with digital regulations.

Proactive measures & user complaints

Out of the total accounts banned, which numbered 7,420,748, a substantial portion, precisely 3,506,905, were proactively removed before any reports from users. WhatsApp’s monthly compliance report revealed that the platform received a staggering 14,767 complaint reports from users in India during August. The term “Accounts Actioned” refers to reports where WhatsApp took remedial action, either banning an account or restoring a previously banned one.

Grievance Appellate Committee & new features

Amidst these actions, WhatsApp received only one order from the newly established Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) in August, which the company duly complied with. The GAC aims to enhance digital regulations and address user concerns related to content on social media platforms.

Additionally, WhatsApp is rolling out a new reply bar feature, enhancing user experience. This update allows users to respond promptly to specific media within a chat without navigating away from the current screen. This feature facilitates seamless conversations, ensuring users maintain context while engaging with shared content. To access this feature, users need to install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.20 update from the Google Play Store.

WhatsApp's proactive measures against violations underscore its commitment to user safety and compliance with regulatory standards. As digital communication continues to evolve, these actions set a precedent for stringent adherence to guidelines, ensuring a secure environment for millions of users across India.