New Delhi, Feb. 20 -- Instant messaging platform WhatsApp has taken decisive action by banning more than 8.4 million accounts within a single month. The move, undertaken by its parent company Meta, aims to curb the increasing misuse of the platform for fraudulent activities. The decision follows a surge in reports from users flagging scams and suspicious behaviour.

In its latest Transparency Report, Meta detailed its enforcement efforts, revealing that 8.45 million WhatsApp accounts in India were disabled between 1 August and 31 August.

Notably, this action aligns with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, particularly under Rule 4(1)(d) and Rule 3A(7). The crackdown reflects Met...