WhatsApp, owned by META, has banned over 9.7 million (97 lakh) accounts in India in February 2025.
Among these, 1.4 million accounts were removed proactively, even before any user complaints were filed.
Why Did WhatsApp Ban So Many Accounts?
In its monthly security report, WhatsApp explained that these accounts were banned for violating the platform’s terms of service.
A spokesperson mentioned that WhatsApp is constantly investing in artificial intelligence (AI), data scientists, and advanced security technologies to combat spam, fake messages, fraud, and other abuses.
Report Under IT Rules 2021
The report, which is part of WhatsApp’s compliance with IT Rules 2021, highlights both the actions taken in response to user complaints and WhatsApp’s proactive measures to prevent misuse of the platform.
Many accounts were detected and blocked even before users reported them.
WhatsApp’s Tips for Safe Use
WhatsApp also shared some useful tips for responsible and secure use of the app:
Avoid spam and auto-bot messages.
Use broadcast lists responsibly.
Refrain from unnecessary message forwarding and respect privacy.
By following these guidelines, users can help keep their WhatsApp experience safe and secure.
