Meta-owned WhatsApp took decisive action against a staggering 7,548,000 problematic accounts in India during the month of October, adhering to the guidelines set forth in the new IT Rules of 2021.
Within the specified timeframe of October 1-31, the company not only responded to 9,063 complaint reports, a new high for the platform, but also proactively banned 1,919,000 accounts before receiving any user reports, as highlighted in its monthly compliance report.
The term "Accounts Actioned" encompasses instances where WhatsApp addressed reported issues, resulting in either the prohibition of an account or the restoration of a previously banned one. A total of 12 actions were recorded in October.
WhatsApp, boasting a user base of over 500 million in India, remains committed to user safety, as emphasized in its user-safety report. This report provides a comprehensive overview of user complaints received, coupled with the corresponding actions taken by WhatsApp. Additionally, it outlines the platform's own preventive measures to combat misuse.
To further safeguard the interests of Indian social media users, the Centre recently introduced the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC). This committee, a strategic move to fortify the nation's digital regulations in the face of Big Tech influence, will address user appeals against decisions made by social media platforms.
In response to these developments, WhatsApp asserted its industry leadership among end-to-end encrypted messaging services in preventing and combating abuse. The company highlighted its robust safety features and controls, backed by a dedicated team of professionals encompassing engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers, and experts in law enforcement, online safety, and technology advancements.
(With Agency Inputs)
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