Here's why nearly 20 lakh WhatsApp accounts were banned in India this June

In a significant crackdown on misuse, WhatsApp has reported the removal of over 9.8 million accounts in India during June. This action is part of the platform’s ongoing commitment to enhance user safety and combat harmful behavior. According to the company’s compliance report, nearly 1.98 million of these accounts were banned proactively, utilizing internal detection mechanisms without relying on user complaints. This report aligns with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and details the measures taken to address violations originating from India. Throughout June, WhatsApp received a total of 23,596 user complaints, resulting in action taken against 1,001 accounts. These actions varied from banning accounts to reversing previous bans after thorough reviews. Notably, 16,069 complaints were appeals related to account bans, with 756 cases prompting further action after assessment. Additionally, the complaints included requests for account assistance, safety issues, and product feedback. WhatsApp has reiterated its strategy to prevent harmful activities before they occur, emphasizing the effectiveness of their abuse detection systems. These systems operate at multiple levels, including during account registration and while messages are sent, along with responses to flagged user behavior. In related news, Italy’s antitrust authority has initiated a formal investigation into Meta Platforms, alleging misuse of market dominance. The investigation centers on claims that Meta integrated its artificial intelligence tool into WhatsApp without obtaining user consent, which could potentially violate European Union competition laws. The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) expressed concerns that this integration, which began in March 2025, could disadvantage competing services by steering users toward Meta’s own tools. The AGCM highlighted that this could limit consumer choice by making interaction with Meta’s AI the default option. Stay informed with the latest technology news and updates as developments unfold.