Technology
WhatsApp bans over 2 million users in India
Messaging platform WhatsApp has banned two million Indian accounts for abusing platform’s services between 15 May and 15 June. The company said in its first compliance report--published under India’s new IT rules.
Reportedly, more than 95% of these bans are because of unauthorized use of automated or bulk messaging.
This comes as part of the India Monthly Report under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The compliance report will be published every 30-45 days from now on.
As per report, WhatsApp received 345 queries from users in India, who used the grievance redressal methods.
Among the total 345 reports received, WhatsApp actioned 63 accounts, while the rest are categorized under multiple categories that didn’t require further actioning.
All these reports were received using various grievance redressal methods that are in place.
“WhatsApp is an industry leader among end-to-end encrypted messaging services in preventing and combating abuse. In line with the requirements of India’s Intermediary Guidelines, 2021, today we have published our first edition of the monthly report," said WhatsApp.
In India, significant social media intermediaries with more than 5 million users are required to publish monthly compliance reports under country’s new IT rules.