WhatsApp has been at the forefront of action once again, implementing the new IT Rules 2021 in January, resulting in the banning of more than 67 million accounts in India. Between January 1 and January 31, the company imposed restrictions on 6,728,000 accounts. WhatsApp revealed in its monthly report that approximately 1,358,000 of these accounts were actively banned before any user reports.
Record Complaints and Actions
The popular messaging platform faced a record 14,828 complaints in India in January, leading to actions taken on 10 accounts. The company refers to a user safety report, stating, “This report includes information about complaints received by WhatsApp and actions taken on the basis of those complaints, as well as WhatsApp’s own actions to address misuse on our platform.”
Government Initiatives
In a move to empower millions of Indian social media users, the central government has initiated the Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC), which focuses on addressing complaints related to content and other issues. WhatsApp acknowledges and emphasizes the inclusion of its actions in the user safety report in order to address misuse on its platform.
End-to-End Encryption and Security Measures
WhatsApp released a statement, asserting its commitment to the security features and controls beyond end-to-end encrypted messaging services. The company has gathered a team of engineers, data scientists, analysts, researchers, and legal experts to combat and prevent misuse effectively.
The move to strengthen digital laws in the country, particularly in the direction of curbing decisions by major tech companies, reflects a step towards enhancing the effectiveness of the Grievance Redressal Committee. This committee scrutinizes appeals made by users regarding content and other matters against decisions taken by social media platforms.
WhatsApp’s statement highlights their continuous efforts to curb misuse on their platform while maintaining end-to-end encryption and security features. As digital laws evolve, the focus remains on creating a secure and responsible online environment for users in India.