Whatsapp will be rolling out a new feature in future updates which has been under development for a long time, account restriction. With this feature, Whatsapp can temporarily block your account with certain restrictions if you are found to be violating certain policies. If the user’s account is restricted they will not be able to start new chats for the duration of the restriction. But the question arises, how will Whatsapp decide which accounts will be blocked by this new feature? Below is what we know:
As per reports, Whatsapp is currently experimenting with the new account restriction feature in its beta update which is available on the Google Play Store. The feature is set to be released in a future update of the app. While users will not be able to start new chats for a certain amount of time, it seems that restricted users will still be able to receive messages and reply to them in existing chats and groups. This will ensure that essential communication is not entirely cut off.
Why your account may be restricted?
WhatsApp uses automatic tools to detect abusive spam-like behavior, automated or bulk messaging, or other activities that violate its terms of service. It’s worth noting that these tools cannot access the content of our messages and calls, as they are end-to-end encrypted. Instead, they rely on specific behavioral patterns to detect suspicious activities, such as the frequency of message sending or whether automated scripts are being used. This automatic detection helps identify accounts exhibiting potentially harmful conduct. By restricting accounts rather than outright banning them, WhatsApp aims to offer users an opportunity to correct their behavior without causing them to lose access to their data entirely.
Whatsapp also bans accounts that use unauthorised third-party apps. For instance, android users choose to use WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp, which are mods that add interesting features such as extensive customisation, downloading images at the original quality, and sending large files. However, WhatsApp tries to dissuade users from using these mods. This means that if they detect that you are using one of these modified apps, they will ban you and you will end up with your WhatsApp number blocked.
Sonu Sood Whatsapp controversy
Recently, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood had recently had his account blocked for about 61 hours. Though the cause of his account’s suspension was not clear, it was found to be in violation of certain Whatsapp’s user policies. The actor later revealed that he had ‘9483 unread messages’ after his account was recovered. Sonu Sood also slammed Whatsapp, saying that essential communication was hampered as hundreds of needy people must be trying to reach him.