36 Lakh Indian Accounts Banned in December 2022: WhatsApp

The instant messaging service WhatsApp reported that in November it banned 36.77 lakh accounts in India, which is a little decrease from the previous month's total. 13.89 lakh of the blocked WhatsApp accounts in India were blocked proactively before being reported by users.

Further, 37.16 lakh accounts in the nation were blocked by WhatsApp in December, including 9.9 lakh accounts that were proactively blocked.

Earlier Steps taken

"There were 3,677,000 banned WhatsApp accounts between December 1 and December 31, 2022." "In its India Monthly Report for December, which was published in accordance with the Information Technology Rules 2021, WhatsApp stated that 1,389,000 of these accounts were proactively banned prior to any reports from users."

Large digital platforms (those with more than 50 lakh users) are required by stricter IT regulations, which went into effect last year, to publish compliance reports every month detailing the specifics of received complaints and the actions taken.

In the past, hate speech, false information, and fake news that circulated on big social media platforms have drawn criticism. Digital platforms' arbitrary actions in removing content and "de-platforming" users have repeatedly raised concerns in some circles.

Three grievances appeal committees were announced by the government last week to handle user complaints about large social media companies beginning on March 1.

In comparison to 946 complaints in November, WhatsApp users' appeals increased by approximately 70% in December to 1607, including appeals to ban 1,459 accounts. The instant messaging company only responded to 166 appeals.

How Does WhatsApp take action to an account?

WhatsApp stated that it responds to all complaints, with the exception of complaints that are deemed to be duplicates of previous tickets, in response to the appeal.

According to the report, an account is "actioned" when it is banned or when a previously banned account is reinstated as a result of a complaint. According to the report, WhatsApp uses tools and resources to prevent harmful behavior on the platform in addition to responding to and taking action on user complaints through the grievance channel.