WhatsApp bans over 7.9 million accounts in India

These bans were aimed at preventing abuse

This was disclosed in WhatsApp's latest monthly report

In a bid to maintain a safe online environment, WhatsApp revealed that it took stringent actions by banning over 7.9 million accounts in India throughout March 2024. Of these, a significant 1,430,000 accounts were proactively removed even before user reports surfaced, demonstrating the platform’s proactive stance towards preventing abuse. This information was disclosed in WhatsApp’s latest monthly report, adhering to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Also read: ‘Will exit India if asked to compromise on encryption’: Whatsapp to Delhi High Court

During this period, WhatsApp received 12,782 grievance requests, with a majority of 6,661 being appeals regarding account bans. Additionally, the platform acknowledged five reports from the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), established by the Government of India to address social media concerns, ensuring compliance with all directives.

Highlighting their commitment to preemptive measures, WhatsApp emphasized its focus on prevention, asserting that averting harmful activities preemptively is paramount. The platform not only responds to user complaints via grievance channels but also deploys sophisticated tools and resources to thwart detrimental behaviors before they escalate.

“We are particularly focused on prevention because we believe it is much better to stop harmful activity from happening in the first place than to detect it after harm has occurred,” WhatsApp reportedly stated, underlining its dedication to fostering a safer digital ecosystem.