WhatsApp Puts Several Accounts Under Review, Blocks Access for 24 Hours

New Delhi: Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp has left thousands of users across the globe, including in India, in a state of shock on Monday night after the app placed thousands of WhatsApp accounts under review for 24 hours without any prior warning. In this period, users were not able to send messages or make calls. A number of users posted screenshots, requesting that they be removed from review as they had not breached any of the rules. 

What did the WhatsApp users notice?

The app was abruptly blocked and as soon as the users opened WhatsApp, they were given notice with a message on the screen saying 'Account in review, your account activity and device information is being checked'. This message clearly stated that the users' activity and device information are being checked and its result will usually be notified within 24 hours. 

The abrupt move left a lot of people facing problems who rely on WhatsApp for their work and business daily. This problem started around 8 pm and continued till late night. 

What did Meta say?

Meta has released a statement on the issue. In an official statement the spokesperson of WhatsApp said they continuously work to keep their platform safe and to prevent misuse, for this, they ban accounts as part of their security systems, but at times even their automated systems make mistakes and when that happens, they are working to fix it as soon as possible and to get people back to chatting.

The company promptly addressed the technical issue and got back the impacted accounts according to the TechCrunch. Meta explained that these types of issues can happen from time to time.

What were the reactions of the users?

The problem started to be noticed by users on WhatsApp around 8 pm on Monday night. When this app was opened, it showed up a message saying their account was under investigation and their activity and phone information was being reviewed. It also said it would take 24 hours to make a decision.

One person said that their work depends on WhatsApp and that the account being suspended without warning is a major problem.

Another users said that my WhatsApp account got suddenly disabled without any warning. This is the only app that I use and work depends on WhatsApp. Please help. This was "so unnecessary".