WhatsApp Bans Surge, Hitting Users With No Warning in Spam Crackdown
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – october 18, 2024 – WhatsApp is facing user backlash as a new spam protection system mistakenly blocks accounts, even those with no history of sending unsolicited messages. Reports are surfacing of users being abruptly banned with the message “This account is no longer used due to spam,” with no prior warning or clarification.
The messaging platform, owned by Meta, is currently testing limits on the number of messages sent to unknown numbers or those that go unanswered, aiming to curb the influx of unwanted communications. However, the lack of openness surrounding these limits is causing concern adn frustration among affected users.
According to the NRW consumer advice center in Germany, one user reported being banned despite only communicating with friends and family. Meta has not disclosed the specific thresholds triggering the bans, nor does it offer warnings before implementing them.
“Users are finding their WhatsApp access blocked with no explanation,” stated the consumer advice center.
While a button exists within the app to appeal the ban, resolution isn’t guaranteed. In one reported case, access was restored after 22 hours, but the reliability of the system remains unclear. Meta states the goal is to “help users not to feel overloaded” by unwanted messages (source: TechCrunch).
The new measures are a response to growing concerns about spam on the platform. WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has not yet commented on the frequency of false positives or plans to adjust the system.
