WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform owned by Meta, has temporarily restricted access to several user accounts in India. Many affected users claimed that their accounts were blocked without any prior warning. Several users shared screenshots on social media showing a message that their accounts were “under review” and that access had been suspended for up to 24 hours.
Meta Explains the Reason Behind the Action
Responding to the issue, Meta said that the account restrictions are part of its regular security and safety process. According to the company, action is taken against accounts that violate WhatsApp’s policies or misuse the platform, in order to protect other users.
Meta also acknowledged that, in some cases, accounts may be flagged by mistake. The company said such accounts are restored as quickly as possible once the review confirms that no policy violations have occurred.
Accounts Blocked on Monday Evening
According to reports, many Indian users began losing access to their WhatsApp accounts after 8:00 PM on Monday. Users were unable to use the messaging service and, upon opening the app, were shown a notification stating that their account was currently under review.
WhatsApp informed users that it was examining the account’s activity and device information to determine whether it complied with the platform’s policies. The review process is expected to be completed within 24 hours, after which users will receive an update on their account status.
The company also advised users to use WhatsApp responsibly and directed them to check additional information within the app. Similar reports of temporary account restrictions have also surfaced from users in several other countries.
Could Your Account Be at Risk?
WhatsApp generally takes action when it detects suspicious activity or finds that an account has violated its policies.
Some common reasons why an account may be temporarily restricted include:
- Sending spam or bulk messages
- Sharing misleading or false information
- Violating WhatsApp’s Terms of Service
- Receiving multiple reports from other users
- Using unauthorized or modified versions of WhatsApp
If an account is flagged, WhatsApp reviews its activity before making a final decision. If no violation is found, access is restored automatically after the review.
WhatsApp Username Feature Faces Delay in India
In a separate development, WhatsApp’s recently introduced Username feature has reportedly been put on hold in India following government intervention. According to reports, the Indian government sought clarification from Meta regarding the feature, after which the company submitted its response.
As of now, neither Meta nor the government has announced a timeline for the rollout of the Username feature in India.
Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.