WhatsApp has banned over 71 lakh problematic accounts in India under the revised IT Rules 2021. In September, the site got 10,442 complaints and 85 ‘actioned’ accounts.
Meta-owned WhatsApp has banned over 71 lakh bad accounts in India. In September 2023, the corporation banned 71,11,000 Indian accounts in line with the new IT Rules 2021, which were introduced between September 1-30. WhatsApp reported in its monthly compliance report that 25,71,000 prohibited accounts were blocked before user complains.
The most popular instant messaging platform in India has 500 million users and received 10,442 complaints in September. Reports say 85 records were ‘actioned’.
‘Accounts Actioned’ refers to reports in which WhatsApp took remedial action based on the report, either banning or restoring a banned account.
WhatsApp said, “This user-safety report details user complaints, WhatsApp’s response, and WhatsApp’s preventive measures to combat abuse on our platform.”
WhatsApp reportedly followed six Grievance Appellate Committee orders in September 2023.
To empower millions of Indian social media users, the Centre launched the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to investigate material and other issues.
What does the new panel do?
The new panel strengthens India’s digital regulations. They want to curb Big Tech and will investigate user complaints against social media platform choices.
WhatsApp announced, “We lead end-to-end encrypted messaging services in abuse prevention. We have a team of engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers, and law enforcement, online safety, and technology professionals who supervise our safety features and controls.
Conclusion
WhatsApp banned over 71 lakh problematic accounts in India in September 2023, taking a proactive approach to abuse and injury. Over 25 lakh accounts were banned before user notifications, demonstrating a proactive strategy to identifying and removing problematic actors. The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) of the Indian government allows users to appeal social media site judgments, assuring fairness and consideration of grievances.
Only 85 of 10,000 user reports received in September 2023 were actioned, indicating opportunity for improvement. WhatsApp should keep investing in resources and tools to identify and remove problematic actors. The GAC’s ability to resolve user complaints is unknown, but its creation shows the Indian government’s commitment to social media user rights.
Finally, WhatsApp and the Indian government are fighting social media abuse to make the internet a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone.
