WhatsApp accounts under review, users report sudden restrictions
WhatsApp users globally reported being locked out of their accounts as the platform placed them under a 24-hour review. The company acknowledged the issue, stating that automated abuse-prevention systems sometimes incorrectly flag legitimate accounts.
Why it matters
As a primary communication tool for billions, sudden account restrictions highlight the risks of automated moderation in digital infrastructure.
Several WhatsApp users in India and abroad were temporarily locked out on August 3. Their accounts were placed “under review” for up to 24 hours. WhatsApp said it reviews or bans accounts to prevent abuse, but acknowledged that it can sometimes get things wrong. Some users later regained access.
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