August 4 ,2025— Messaging giant WhatsApp removed over 98 lakh accounts in India in June 2025 as part of its continued efforts to prevent misuse of the platform and protect user safety, the company stated in its latest monthly compliance report.
According to the report, WhatsApp banned a total of 9,819,000 Indian accounts during the month. Of these, more than 73% were taken down proactively, before receiving any user complaints. The bans were part of WhatsApp’s measures to combat spam, misinformation, harmful content, and violations of its terms of service.
“This user-safety report contains details of user complaints received and the corresponding action taken by WhatsApp, as well as WhatsApp’s own preventive actions,” the company said in a statement. “Our systems detect and ban accounts engaging in suspicious behavior, even before any user reports them.”
AI Tools Aid Proactive Action
The platform uses advanced machine learning tools and automated systems to monitor account behavior patterns, including unusual messaging volumes, bulk forwarding, and unauthorized automated activity. These tools are designed to detect and remove problematic accounts in real time, WhatsApp explained.
In June, the platform received 4,164 user grievances, which included complaints related to account support, ban appeals, safety issues, and product support. Action was taken in 519 of these cases, following a thorough review by the company’s grievance redressal team.
Compliance with IT Rules 2021
WhatsApp’s action aligns with India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require significant social media intermediaries to publish regular compliance reports and maintain effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Under these guidelines, WhatsApp has appointed a dedicated Grievance Officer for India, who oversees complaint handling and ensures adherence to due process for users seeking to challenge bans or report violations.
Government Oversight Tightens
The Indian government has increased its regulatory oversight of digital platforms in recent years, calling for stronger measures to curb misinformation, abuse, and harmful online behavior. Experts believe transparency and proactive content moderation have become critical as platforms deal with increasing user bases and growing political and social scrutiny.
“India has emerged as WhatsApp’s largest user base globally, with over 500 million users,” said Rajeev Mishra, a Delhi-based tech policy expert. “Massive account takedowns like this one reflect the pressure on platforms to remain compliant, while ensuring user trust.”
Broader Digital Safety Push
WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has faced criticism in the past over its role in the spread of misinformation, particularly during elections and public emergencies. The company says it continues to invest in AI moderation tools, user education, and stricter enforcement to make the platform safer.
With rising concerns around digital safety, data privacy, and online abuse, the June 2025 account ban figures mark one of the largest monthly enforcement actions by the platform in India so far.
