Meta-owned instant messaging app WhatsApp banned more than 71 lakh accounts in India in November 2023 for not following the New IT Rules 2021. Between November 1 and 30, the company banned 71,96,000 accounts.
WhatsApp said in its monthly compliance report that before any reports from users, about 19,54,000 of these accounts were actively banned. The most popular messaging platform in the country with more than 50 crore users received a record 8,841 complaints in the country in November and action was taken on only 6. “Accounts Actioned” refers to reports where WhatsApp took action based on the report and taking action either means banning an account or results in the reinstatement of previously banned accounts.
Description of actions in user-safety report
According to the company, “This user-safety report includes details of user complaints received and actions taken by WhatsApp, as well as WhatsApp’s own actions to address abuse on our platform.”
GAC will consider the appeal made by users
According to news agency IANS, to empower millions of Indian social media users, the Center has recently launched the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) which looks into their concerns regarding content and other issues. The newly constituted panel, a step towards strengthening the country’s digital laws to rein in big tech companies, will look into appeals made by users against decisions of social media platforms.
