WhatsApp monitors fraudulent activities, scams; bans 9.96 million Indian accounts

Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp has banned 9.96 million Indian accounts in January 2025, as part of its efforts to curb abuse and fraudulent activities on the platform.

The latest India Monthly Report, published under the Information Technology (IT) Rules 2021, details user grievances, regulatory compliance, and enforcement actions taken during the month.

Users under surveillance


WhatsApp banned 1.32 million accounts before receiving user complaints, demonstrating its AI-driven abuse detection system. Under Rule 4(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, large social media platforms must deploy automated tools to identify and mitigate illegal content, misinformation, and harmful activities.

Tackling abuse

“The abuse detection operates at three stages of an account’s lifestyle: at registration, during messaging, and in response to negative feedback, which we receive in the form of user reports and blocks. A team of analysts augments these systems to evaluate edge cases and help improve our effectiveness over time,” the company said.

Resolving concerns

As per Rule 3(2) of the IT Rules, 2021, WhatsApp provides users with a grievance redressal mechanism via email and postal complaints. However, only 239 accounts were actioned, out of 9,474 grievances.

WhatsApp followed all 14 directives issued by the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC)—a government-mandated body under the IT Rules that reviews complaints against social media decisions.

The GAC ensures platform accountability in content moderation and user rights protection.