In November 2023, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, took action against over 71 lakh accounts in India, as reported in India’s monthly disclosure under the IT Rules, 2021, released on January 1, 2024. Out of these, 19,54,000 accounts were proactively banned by the company before any user reported them. WhatsApp, which identifies Indian users through +91 phone numbers, received 8,841 grievances during the month and took action on six of these reports. Additionally, the platform received eight reports from the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), a government body addressing citizen concerns on social media platforms. WhatsApp complied with all eight GAC reports.
The user-safety report emphasizes the details of complaints received, corresponding actions taken by WhatsApp, and the platform’s preventive measures against abuse. WhatsApp employs a multi-level detection approach, operating during registration, messaging, and in response to negative feedback. When a user reports an account, a team of analysts evaluates the report to determine if stringent actions, such as permanent banning, are necessary.
WhatsApp, committed to user safety, has introduced various security features throughout the year. Notable features include end-to-end encryption, mute unknown number, and chat lock, contributing to making WhatsApp a private and secure cross-platform messaging service. The platform’s ongoing efforts aim to provide tools and resources to prevent harmful behavior and enhance overall user safety.
The monthly disclosure reflects WhatsApp’s dedication to transparency by sharing insights into its efforts to maintain a secure and abuse-free environment for its users. As digital platforms continue to address user safety challenges, WhatsApp’s proactive measures and compliance with regulatory committees demonstrate its commitment to ensuring a safer online experience for its vast user base in India.