8 Things That Can Get You Banned on WhatsApp
If you misuse WhatsApp, you could end up with a ban that prevents you from using the service. But what are the activities that could lead you to losing your account access?
Here’s a look at some of the things that can get you banned from WhatsApp.
1. Using an Unofficial Version of WhatsApp
While you may think that using an unofficial version of WhatsApp is harmless, it could actually result in your account getting suspended. Unofficial WhatsApp versions are created by third-party developers. You may have heard of a few of these, such as GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus, WhatsApp Go, WhatsApp Prime, and OG WhatsApp.
But WhatsApp does not condone or support these third-party versions and it states that your account could get banned for using these.
This is becauseunofficial WhatsApp apps come with greater security risks. To avoid the risk of a ban, WhatsApp says that you should only use the official and verified versions available on the Google Play Store and App Store.
Since WhatsApp bans involve blacklisting your phone number, creating a new account with that same number won’t work. And even trying to get around a ban is against WhatsApp’s Terms of Service.
2. Sending Threatening and Illegal Content
If you share illegal content on WhatsApp, threaten people, or spread hateful and offensive content, it’s possible to lose access to your account.
As stated in itsTerms of Service, WhatsApp notes that you can’t send “illegal, obscene, defamatory, threatening, intimidating, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive” content on the app.
You are also not allowed to promote violent crimes or the endangerment and exploitation of children. So think before you .
3. Getting Reported Consistently
Apart from blocking you, users can also report your WhatsApp account. WhatsApp notes in itsFAQthat when someone reports an account, WhatsApp gets access to the last five messages for review.
This confirms whether the account violated any policies or not. If multiple reports reveal similar violations, your WhatsApp account will likely get banned.
Users can request a review of their ban using the app or email to plead against the decision, but there’s a high chance you won’t be able to recover your account.
4. Using WhatsApp for Scams and Malware
WhatsApp does not allow you to send content that harms other users—which includes malware and scams.
As WhatsApp notes in its terms, you cannot “send, store, or transmit viruses or other harmful computer code through or onto our Services”. If you’re caught doing this, you will receive an account ban.
You are also not allowed to collect information about users in a way that is not permissible and authorized. As such,phishing scamsare also not allowed on the service.
5. Sending Spam
If you send unsolicited promotional messages to WhatsApp users, you’ll likely end up with a ban from the service. As the company states in theWhatsApp FAQ:
“We ban accounts if we believe the account activity violates our Terms of Service, for example if it involves spam, scams or if it puts WhatsApp users’ safety at risk.”
Many users knowhow to recognize and avoid WhatsApp spam. So if you send a bunch of unsolicited messages to users, you’ll end up with a ban.
And while you cancreate a broadcast list on WhatsApp, you’re not allowed to overuse the feature.
WhatsApp notes:
“Please keep in mind, frequent use of broadcast messages may lead people to report your messages, and we ban accounts that are reported multiple times.”
If you want to send promotional messages to people on WhatsApp, you should let them opt in. For example, you can create a group for business promotions andsend a link to join your WhatsApp group. And even then, you should check that that your messages are not spammy.
Also, make sure to delete spam messages in your WhatsApp groupthat may come from other users.
6. Adding People to Groups Without Permission
Speaking of groups, you should always ask permission before adding someone to a group. Otherwise, you may end up with a ban on WhatsApp.
In itsFAQon how to use WhatsApp responsibly, the company says:
“You should get permission from contacts before you add them to a group. If you add someone to a group and they remove themselves, honor their decision.”
Failing to do this will likely result in you receiving multiple reports and eventually a full WhatsApp ban.
7. Automating Your WhatsApp Activity
While you can use WhatsApp as much as you want, you’re not allowed to use automation such as bulk messages, auto-messaging, and auto-dialling. You’re also not allowed to use automation for creating accounts or groups.
WhatsApp uses AI to detect this sort of behavior on the app, so even if you’re not reported, you could end up with a ban. However, it will also flag accounts that end up being reported by other users.
8. Spreading Fake News
WhatsApp’s terms of service also prohibit content that involves “publishing falsehoods, misrepresentations, or misleading statements”. If you’re creating this type of content, WhatsApp will likely suspend your account.
WhatsApp also recommends fact-checking messages before forwarding them to other users. If you consistently share fake posts with other users, they’ll likely get fed up and report you.
The company actually introduced forwarding limits to prevent the spread of fake news. It also labels forwarded messages, so that users know it came from another source.
Use WhatsApp for Safe and Effective Communication
WhatsApp offers users an ad-free experience for personal and business use. However, the app has some guidelines to ensure the safety of the users.
You might get temporarily or permanently banned from using the app if you share content that goes against the company’s guidelines.
Sharing inappropriate content, sending spam, or abusing other people’s privacy are the main reasons to get banned from using WhatsApp.
You can use the Privacy Checkup feature on WhatsApp to manage your privacy settings in one place.
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