In a remarkable move aimed at upholding user safety and combating the spread of hate speech and misinformation, WhatsApp, a subsidiary of Meta, locked over 7.1 million accounts in India throughout the month of September.
This decisive action was taken in strict adherence to India’s IT Rules of 2021, which require large digital platforms to report their monthly compliance activities. WhatsApp disclosed these staggering figures in its recent user safety report.
Unprecedented Ban Numbers
Between September 1 and 30, WhatsApp enforced the ban on a whopping 7,111,000 accounts in India.
A notable portion of these accounts, approximately 2,571,000, were proactively banned by the company before any user reports were received.
These statistics reflect the tech giant’s commitment to maintaining a secure online environment for its more than 500 million users in the country.
Rising Complaints Prompt Action
WhatsApp, the popular messaging app with an extensive user base, recorded a record-breaking 10,442 complaint reports in India during the month of September. Of these complaints, 85 resulted in actionable measures taken by the company.
“Accounts Actioned” signifies instances where WhatsApp took remedial action based on user reports, which could involve either banning an account or reinstating a previously banned one.
Transparent Reporting and Compliance
WhatsApp’s monthly user safety report provides a comprehensive overview of user complaints and the corresponding actions taken to address abuse on the platform.
The company not only responds to all complaints but also ensures transparency in its reporting to the government.
Additionally, WhatsApp adhered to six orders from the Grievance Appellate Committee in India during the same period, further illustrating its commitment to compliance with regulatory authorities.
Why WhatsApp Accounts Are Banned
Large social media platforms are frequently utilized for the dissemination of hate speech, fake news, and misinformation.
To prevent these issues, social media platforms must take stringent measures, such as banning accounts, to maintain the integrity of their services and protect their users.
Enforcement of Actions
WhatsApp’s report outlines its approach, stating, “We respond to all complaints received, except in cases where the complaint is deemed a duplicate of a previous ticket.
‘Actions’ are taken when an account is either banned, reinstated, or if a previously banned account is reinstated.” This reflects the company’s commitment to fair and consistent enforcement of its policies.
Government Regulations in Action
Under the IT Rules of the Government of India, digital platforms with over 50 million users are required to submit monthly compliance reports detailing the complaints received and the corresponding actions taken.
These regulations are vital in addressing the persistent issues of hate speech, misinformation, and fake news on prominent social media platforms.
