NEW DELHI: Multiple WhatsApp users including several in India reported that their accounts had been placed “under review” for 24 hours, temporarily blocking access to the messaging platform’s features without prior warning.The disruption surfaced around 8pm IST on Monday, with affected users sharing screenshots showing a message from the Meta-owned app stating that their accounts were being reviewed to verify compliance with WhatsApp’s terms of service. The notification read that account activity and device information were being checked and that users would typically receive a decision within 24 hours.Responding a report by PTI, a WhatsApp spokesperson acknowledged that errors can occur while enforcing the platform’s safety measures.“We are always working to stay ahead of those trying to abuse our service and ban accounts to help keep other users safe. Sometimes we get this wrong and if we do, we try to fix it as quickly as possible to get people back to chatting,” the spokesperson said.The app also directed affected users to guidance on responsible use of WhatsApp and information relating to stolen phones and accounts.Several users took to social media to complain that their accounts had been disabled despite using the official version of the app.One user wrote: “My WhatsApp account has been disabled without any explanation. I have already submitted an appeal, but the review page only displays a generic message stating that it will ‘typically be reviewed within 24 hours’. Help me urgently.”Another user, identified as Saloni on X, posted: “My WhatsApp account was suddenly disabled without any warning. I only use the official app, and my work depends on WhatsApp. Please help. This was so unnecessary.”The temporary account reviews come as WhatsApp remains under government scrutiny in India over its proposed username feature, which would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
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The Centre recently received WhatsApp’s response to a notice seeking clarification on the feature, which officials fear could increase phishing, impersonation, online fraud and so-called digital arrest scams. The government has directed the company not to roll out the feature in India until consultations are completed.WhatsApp has maintained that the feature is still under development and will be introduced gradually later this year. The company has said users will still need a phone number to create an account and that several safeguards, including protections against impersonation and limits on unsolicited contact, have been built into the feature.