In a massive sweep to secure its platform from rising cyber threats, WhatsApp has banned more than 8 million Indian accounts in August 2024, marking one of its largest efforts to combat online scams.
The Meta-owned messaging service, which remains a staple for millions of users across India, has intensified its crackdown on accounts that violate its terms of service or engage in suspicious activity, reinforcing its commitment to user safety.
According to WhatsApp’s recently released transparency report, the company took down a total of 8,458,000 Indian accounts in August alone. This unprecedented action highlights the platform’s growing emphasis on protecting its users from fraud, harassment, and other illegal activities.
WhatsApp’s security systems, designed to detect irregular behavior such as bulk messaging and spamming, have played a significant role in identifying and removing problematic accounts.
Interestingly, 1,661,000 of these accounts were proactively banned even before users had the chance to report them, thanks to WhatsApp’s advanced automated tools. These systems are key to spotting early warning signs of malicious activity, ensuring that threats are neutralized before they can cause harm.
User complaints also remain a vital part of the platform’s safety enforcement. Throughout August, WhatsApp received 10,707 user grievances. While the vast majority of complaints did not lead to further action, 93 cases resulted in account suspensions, reflecting the company’s careful investigation process. Complaints ranged from harassment to ban appeals, with users submitting reports through the company’s grievance channels, both online and via traditional mail.