WhatsApp suspended more than 99.67 lakh Indian accounts during January 2025 for engaging in terms-of-service violations. The Meta-owned platform took this initiative after receiving users’ complaints, the Grievance Appellate Committee’s orders, and preemptive monitoring due to the application of artificial intelligence-based tools.
Of the total accounts banned, over 13% (13.27 lakh accounts) were banned before receiving any user complaints. WhatsApp’s machine learning (ML) capabilities identified and marked suspicious behavior, such as bulk messaging and unusual usage patterns, resulting in automatic bans.
WhatsApp Transparency Report & IT Rules Compliance
Social media platforms must submit monthly transparency reports on content moderation efforts under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.
“As per the latest report, WhatsApp also received 9,474 user complaints in January 2025, related to ban appeals, account support requests, and grievances related to safety concerns. Of this, the platform took action in 239 cases.”
Also, WhatsApp complied with all 14 orders given by the GAC.
Increasing Cyber Frauds & Government Crackdown
WhatsApp’s latest crackdown comes amid a surge in cyber frauds and scams across India. According to Indian government data, Indians have lost INR 107.21 crore in online scams in the first nine months of the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal saw more than 1.23 lakh reports of digital arrest scams in the year 2024, resulting in losses of more than INR 1,935.51 crore. In a measure to check this deadly trend, the government suspended 7.81 lakh SIM cards and 2.08 lakh IMEI numbers till February 28, 2025.
In an effort to contain cybercrimes, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently directed social media sites, such as Meta, Google, and X, to delete content or software that enable offenses under the Telecommunications Act, of 2023.
Meta’s India Expansion
Even with the crackdown, Meta is tightening its grip in India, its largest user market. In February, reports show the company will be opening a new Bengaluru office and is heavily recruiting for AI engineering and product positions.
The development demonstrates Meta’s long-term focus on increasing its presence in India while complying with regulatory steps to boost digital security.
