WhatsApp Bans Record 7.4 Mn Accounts In India, Complies With IT Rules

WhatsApp reported that it banned a staggering 7.4 million accounts in the country during the month of August. Out of these, over 3.5 million accounts were proactively banned by the messaging giant even before users could lodge complaints.

The messaging platform revealed that it received a record-breaking 14,767 complaint reports from Indian users during August. These reports encompassed a spectrum of issues, including spam, harassment and the dissemination of misinformation. The company acted on these reports by either banning the offending accounts or restoring previously banned ones, demonstrating its commitment to addressing user concerns and enhancing platform safety.

With over 500 million users in India, WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging platform in the nation.

The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), a newly established body aimed at addressing user grievances related to content and other matters on social media platforms, issued only one order to WhatsApp in August. The company promptly complied with this directive, illustrating its willingness to cooperate with regulatory authorities and uphold the new IT rules.

WhatsApp's proactive measures to safeguard user interests were emphasised in its statement. The company asserted its position as an industry leader among end-to-end encrypted messaging services in combating abuse and ensuring user safety. WhatsApp further highlighted its dedicated team of professionals, including engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers and experts in law enforcement, online safety and technology development, who are entrusted with overseeing these efforts.