WhatsApp could permanently ban you, if you indulge in these activities

Online messaging application WhatsApp has been in the news recently for misinformation and rumours. The platform has started taking strict action against individuals indulging in malicious behaviour online, and has decided to permanently ban them from using the app. WhatsApp has always come under the radar for being the easiest way people spread false and obnoxious content. The company which already took steps in controlling the menace has decided to take stricter action, now.

WhatsApp focused news site, WAPBetaInfo stated they received a lot of reports from users that they have been banned from the platform. Reddit users have claimed on the platform that they were banned for changing the University's group name to something illegal. Further, another user stated a big group of 100 was banned without stating any clear reasons. On contacting the application authorities, they received messages that they have violated the Terms and Conditions of the application. To use WhatsApp again, they would have to change their mobile phone numbers.

While WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption that doesn't let the app authorities to have access to a user's messages, it does have knowledge of the metadata. Metadata includes group date creation, group subject, group description, etc. If you are part of a WhatsApp group that frequently changes its group subject or description, the platform can identify you. Group Info Restriction can be changed to Admin Only mode, allowing only an admin to change the group information, to avoid mishaps.