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In the first quarter of 2024, WhatsApp took firm action against online misuse, banning a staggering 22.3 million accounts in India. This marked a significant increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing concerns over online scams and user safety.
The surge in bans reflects the platform’s commitment to address grievances and enforce laws and terms of service. WhatsApp’s measures were prompted by user complaints, violations of Indian laws or the platform’s terms, and directives from the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC).
These bans were carried out in accordance with specific rules outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The platform’s monthly report for January, February, and March 2024 revealed a steady rise in banned accounts throughout the quarter.
In January, 6.7 million accounts were removed, including over a million proactively banned accounts. February saw a further increase, with 7.6 million accounts banned, and March followed suit with 7.9 million bans. This upward trend underscores WhatsApp’s proactive approach to combat misuse.
The banned accounts were primarily involved in activities such as scams and spam, posing a threat to user privacy and security. This surge in bans highlights the significant misuse of WhatsApp, particularly in India, which boasts the highest number of monthly active users worldwide.
WhatsApp advises users to familiarize themselves with its guidelines for acceptable use and prioritize account security. Reporting any unauthorized access promptly is encouraged to maintain a safe online environment for all users.
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