New Delhi: WhatsApp banned nearly 1 crore Indian accounts in February 2025, the Meta-owned messaging platform revealed in its latest Monthly Safety Report.
It’s part of Meta’s action against fraudulent activities as the social media company looks to curb spam, scams and misuse.
More than 14 lakh of the banned accounts were proactively blocked before any user complaints were received.
According to the monthly report, around 9,967,000 accounts in India were banned in February under the IT Rules 2021, which require all digital platforms to address user grievances and prevent harmful activities.
WhatsApp received 17,649 user complaints during February, of which action was taken against 427 accounts.
India has over 535 million WhatsApp users, the highest in the world. Hence, Meta has to be doubly careful in protecting people from online threats.
“We continuously invest in artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technology, and expert teams to ensure our platform remains safe. Our latest report highlights the number of user complaints received, actions taken, and our proactive approach to preventing abuse,” said a WhatsApp spokesperson.
What to do if WhatsApp account gets banned
* If your WhatsApp account gets banned, first determine whether it was due to violation of any WhatsApp policy. You can read WhatsApp’s policies by going to WhatsApp Settings > Help > Terms and Privacy Policy.
* If the account was banned by mistake, the user can appeal for a review through following steps:
> Open WhatsApp, where you will see a notification stating that your account has been banned.
> Tap on ‘Request a Review’ within the app.
> Enter the 6-digit registration code sent via SMS to verify your number.
> After verification, submit your request for a review.
> You may also add details to support your case, explaining why you believe the ban was a mistake.
* If unable to request a review on the app, one can contact WhatsApp Support via email:
> Write an email to WhatsApp support at support@whatsapp.com.
> Mention phone number, including country code, and explain that your account has been banned.
* Once request is submitted, WhatsApp will investigate the issue and notify if the account can be restored. However, if WhatsApp determines that the account was banned due to a serious violation, the ban will be permanent.
How to keep your WhatsApp account safe
WhatsApp advises users to follow certain precautions to avoid account bans and enhance security. Here are some key guidelines:
* Respect Group Etiquette: Seek permission before adding someone to a group. If they leave, do not re-add them without consent.
* Avoid Spamming: Repeatedly messaging someone who has asked you to stop could lead to reports and a potential ban.
* Users should verify sources before forwarding messages.
* Don’t Use Unauthorised Apps: Using modified versions of WhatsApp or third-party automation tools can result in an account ban.
* Follow WhatsApp’s Terms: Engaging in harassment, spreading false information, or violating platform policies can lead to permanent bans.
