WhatsApp has banned over 97 lakh Indian accounts in February 2025 for violating its terms of service. The Meta-owned messaging platform revealed the development in its Monthly Safety Report, stating that the move is part of its ongoing effort to curb scams, misinformation, and harmful behavior on the app.
According to the report, a total of 9,967,000 Indian accounts were banned in February. Of these, over 14 lakh accounts were proactively banned before any user complaints were received—indicating the platform’s growing reliance on automated systems and artificial intelligence to detect suspicious activity. The company acted on 17,649 user grievances during the month, which resulted in enforcement action against 427 accounts. Additionally, WhatsApp complied with two directions from India’s Grievance Appellate Committee, as per the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
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Repeated Offenders and Rising Concerns
This isn’t the first time the platform has reported such high numbers. In January 2025, WhatsApp had banned over 99 lakh Indian accounts, underlining a sustained effort to tackle unauthorized automation, bulk messaging, and spam—key sources of disruption on the platform.
India, with over 500 million WhatsApp users, remains the platform’s largest market. With growing incidents of phishing attempts, scam links, and mass forwarding of misinformation, WhatsApp’s moderation systems are now more active than ever.
A WhatsApp spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to user safety:
“We continue to invest in advanced technology, machine learning, and a team of experts to protect our users. The February report reflects our proactive measures in tackling abuse and ensuring platform integrity.”
Keeping Your WhatsApp Account Safe
Along with enforcement, WhatsApp has issued a set of safety guidelines for users to avoid unintentional bans or being flagged as suspicious:
Seek consent before adding contacts to groups. Repeatedly adding people who leave or don’t want to engage may lead to reports.
Avoid bulk messaging, automated replies, or using unauthorized third-party apps, as these violate WhatsApp’s policies and can result in account suspension.
Be cautious when forwarding messages. Only share verified content and avoid spreading misinformation.
Use broadcast lists wisely. Messages will only be delivered to users who have saved your number; overusing the feature may lead to reports.
Refrain from illegal or abusive activity such as harassment, threats, or spreading fake news, which can lead to permanent bans.
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WhatsApp’s increasing crackdown is a response to growing digital threats in India, including cyber frauds, identity theft, and fake promotional schemes. The platform urges users to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior through in-app features.
As the digital ecosystem expands, platforms like WhatsApp face the dual challenge of providing seamless communication while ensuring a safe, abuse-free environment. The rising number of banned accounts shows the scale of misuse—but also signals the platform’s commitment to taking strong action against violators.