WhatsApp Takes Action Against Rising Scams in India, Establishes Grievance Appellate Committee In a recent development, WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging platform, has taken a stringent stance against fraudulent activities, resulting in the ban of over 71 lakh accounts in India within a single month. This unprecedented move has stirred curiosity among users and stakeholders alike, prompting us to delve into the intricacies surrounding these mass account suspensions.
Proactive Measures, Record-breaking Bans, and Changes in Chat Backup Policies
In a commendable move to counter the surge of online scams in India, WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging platform boasting over 500 million users in the country, has undertaken substantial initiatives to safeguard user interests. Recent reports from November 2023 underscore a monumental ban on over 71 lakh suspicious accounts, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
1. Proactive Ban: A Record-Breaking Move
According to an IANS report, WhatsApp took a proactive stance by banning 19,54,000 accounts in November before receiving any user complaints. This noteworthy step aligns with the company’s monthly compliance report, demonstrating its commitment to the new IT Rules 2021 and addressing concerns voiced by millions of Indian users.
2. Dedicated Team for User Safety
WhatsApp’s commitment to user safety is evident in its dedicated team of professionals. Comprising engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers, and experts in law enforcement, online safety, and technology development, this team works collaboratively to combat online threats effectively.
3. Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC): A Game-Changer
A significant development in addressing user concerns is the establishment of the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC). This committee serves as a mechanism for users to challenge decisions made by social media platforms, providing a transparent and accountable process.
4. Insights from User Complaints
The user-safety report reveals that WhatsApp received 8,841 complaint reports in November alone. The term “accounts actioned” signifies instances where WhatsApp took corrective measures based on these reports, either by banning or reinstating accounts. This responsive approach reflects the company’s commitment to resolving issues promptly.
5. Changes in Chat Backup Policies for Android Users
A notable change awaits WhatsApp users on Android this year. They will no longer be able to backup their chats for free on Google Drive. Formerly, Google allowed users to conveniently back up their WhatsApp conversations without impacting their 15GB of free data allowance. However, this policy shift means that WhatsApp chat backups will now contribute to users’ Google Drive storage limits.
6. Impact on Users and Consideration of Google One
This alteration is anticipated to affect users relying on the free 15GB quota. It may prompt them to consider investing in additional storage through WhatsApp with Google One, emphasizing the need for users to adapt their backup strategies accordingly.
7. Summing Up WhatsApp’s Initiatives
In summary, WhatsApp’s proactive measures against online scams in India, the establishment of the Grievance Appellate Committee, and changes in chat backup policies underline the company’s commitment to user safety in the dynamic landscape of digital communication and evolving threats. Staying informed about these changes is crucial, urging users to reassess and adapt their backup strategies accordingly.
FAQs
- Why did WhatsApp proactively ban accounts before receiving user complaints?
- WhatsApp took a proactive approach to address potential threats promptly, aligning with its commitment to user safety.
- What is the Grievance Appellate Committee, and how does it benefit users?
- The Grievance Appellate Committee serves as a mechanism for users to contest decisions made by social media platforms, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
- How many complaint reports did WhatsApp handle in November?
- WhatsApp addressed 8,841 complaint reports in November, reflecting its responsive approach to user concerns.
- Why is WhatsApp changing chat backup policies for Android users?
- The policy change is aimed at aligning with Google Drive’s storage limits, impacting users who rely on the free 15GB quota.
- How can users adapt to the changes in chat backup policies?
- Users are encouraged to stay informed about the changes and consider investing in additional storage through WhatsApp with Google One if needed.