2 August 2023, Mumbai: WhatsApp, a platform owned by Meta, took stringent measures to comply with India’s new IT Rules 2021 as it banned a staggering number of over 66 lakh accounts in June. Out of these, 2,434,200 accounts were proactively banned even before any reports from users were received. The platform, with over 500 million users in the country, received a record 7,893 complaint reports in June, of which 337 were acted upon.
User-Safety Report and Preventive ActionsWhats
App’s monthly compliance report revealed the details of user complaints and the corresponding actions taken by the platform. The company is committed to combatting abuse on its platform and mentioned that the accounts actioned were either banned or restored based on the reports. This proactive approach underscores WhatsApp’s focus on user safety and well-being.
Grievance Appellate Committee’s Role
The newly-launched Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) aims to empower millions of Indian social media users and address their concerns regarding content and other issues. As a part of strengthening the country’s digital laws to regulate Big Tech companies, the GAC will review appeals made by users against decisions of social media platforms. This move is a significant step towards fostering an open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet environment.
Ministry’s Amendments to Protect ‘Digital Nagriks’
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has introduced amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights of ‘Digital Nagriks’ and promoting a responsible digital space. The regulations are designed to ensure that users’ concerns are addressed, and digital platforms adhere to the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
WhatsApp’s actions reflect its commitment to create a safer and more secure platform for its vast user base in India. By actively enforcing the new IT Rules 2021 and collaborating with the Grievance Appellate Committee, the company is taking proactive steps to combat abuse and protect the rights of users in the digital space.