WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform, made headlines in August when it announced that over 7.4 million Indian accounts had been barred from its platform.
This move was in compliance with the new IT Rules of 2021, which aim to regulate online content and protect user safety in India.
WhatsApp’s Ban on Indian Accounts
In August alone, WhatsApp banned a staggering 7.4 million accounts in India, surpassing the number of accounts barred in the previous month.
Out of these accounts, 3,506,905 were proactively barred by WhatsApp before any reports from users. This indicates the platform’s commitment to preventing and combating abuse on its platform.
WhatsApp, in its India Monthly Report for October, emphasized its dedication to user safety. The company highlighted the presence of a team of experts in law enforcement, online safety, and technology development that works diligently to oversee safety efforts.
Additionally, WhatsApp employs engineers, data scientists, analysts, and researchers who contribute to the ongoing battle against abuse.
Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC)
The Indian government introduced the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) earlier this year to address user complaints and appeals against decisions made by social media platforms.
This mechanism acts as an online dispute resolution mechanism, allowing users to file their complaints through a dedicated portal.
It provides an avenue for users aggrieved by decisions made by intermediaries, such as Meta (formerly known as Facebook) or Twitter, to seek redress.
While tackling abuse on its platform, WhatsApp is also focusing on enhancing user experience. According to a feature tracker, the chat interface on the Android version of the application is undergoing a redesign.
This redesign includes changes to the app’s colors, which will also impact its appearance in dark mode.
These updates reflect WhatsApp’s commitment to staying up to date with user preferences and trends.
WhatsApp’s crackdown on over 7.4 million Indian accounts in August is a noteworthy development in the effort to combat abuse on the platform.
The company’s proactive measures, in compliance with the new IT Rules of 2021, demonstrate its commitment to user safety.
The introduction of the Grievance Appellate Committee provides users with a platform to voice their concerns and seek resolution.
Furthermore, WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to redesign its chat interface showcase its dedication to enhancing user experience.
