In a recent crackdown, popular messaging platform WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has revealed that it banned more than 71 lakh accounts in India during the month of November last year.
What’s notable is that over 19 lakh of these accounts were banned proactively, even before any user reported a policy violation.
Proactive Measures: 19 Lakh Accounts Banned Without User Reports
WhatsApp, adhering to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) rules, disclosed in its monthly report that it took proactive steps by blocking 19,54,000 accounts without waiting for user reports on policy violations.
This showcases the platform’s commitment to maintaining a secure and policy-compliant environment for its users.
User Reports and Grievances: A Detailed Insight
The report further outlines that in November, the Grievance Officer at WhatsApp received six requests, with one related to appealing a ban and the rest seeking general support.
Additionally, the company addressed 8,841 grievances and dutifully followed eight orders issued by the Grievance Appellate Committee.
During the same period, WhatsApp received a total of 9,063 reports, with a significant portion (4,771) related to ban appeals.
Other reports covered account support, product support, and safety concerns.
WhatsApp Channels: A New Communication Avenue
In recent developments, WhatsApp introduced a new feature called WhatsApp Channels, offering a one-way broadcast tool.
This feature allows creators to disseminate information to their followers, including text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.
Notably, this feature has gained attention from political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who uses it to connect with lakhs of followers.
As the country gears up for upcoming elections, WhatsApp Channels could emerge as a pivotal tool for politicians to engage with the public.
WhatsApp’s continued commitment to enforcing policies and introducing innovative features underscores its dedication to creating a safe and interactive environment for its vast user base in India.
