WhatsAppone of the most popular instant messaging applications worldwide, is constantly taking steps to guarantee the security and the integrity of its user community. And according to recent reports from specialized portals, the platform is preparing to carry out a massive blockade of accounts that violate their terms of use, with a date scheduled for the next 31 October.
Accounts that will be affected by this measure include those that use unofficial applications, such as WhatsApp Plus, as well as those dedicated to spreading threats or hate messages that may put the integrity of other people at risk. The sanction will also apply to profiles that send content of a sexual nature related to minors, as well as to users who share misleading promotions and false job offers.
Although neither Meta Neither WhatsApp nor WhatsApp have officially confirmed this mass suspension of accounts scheduled for the end of this month, it is presumed that the measure is part of a broader effort by the platform to improve the security of its service.
This decision has generated concern among many users, who wonder why this measure is being taken and how it could affect their experience on the instant messaging platform that has more than 2 billion users.
Especially since the app has been drastic in enforcing its regulations to penalize misuse and even personalization of the service through the app. software from third parties.
These are some of the reasons why a user would have their account canceled:
– Unofficial applications: WhatsApp cares about the security of its users and discourages the use of unofficial applications, because some of these applications can introduce malware or viruses to users’ devices.
The detection of vulnerabilities in these applications could lead to the platform automatically closing accounts to protect the security of the community.
– Spread of phishing and fake promotions: Phishing messages and fake promotions are often spread by cybercriminals with the intention of scamming users.
That is why WhatsApp is taking measures to combat these messages that try to trick people into believing that they have won prizes or money. Installing malicious applications through these messages is also a concern.
In addition, strict attention will also be paid to those accounts that share false information for fraudulent purposes, a phenomenon that is on the rise with reported hacking attempts to obtain banking information from the user’s account.
– Data extraction: Official information published in the WhatsApp Help Center details that the platform can temporarily suspend an account that collects information through what is known as data extraction.
According to the application, this activity allows “the automatic obtaining of information, both specific and large-scale, for impermissible purposes.” So “acquiring user information in this way, including phone numbers, profile photos and statuses, violates our terms of service.”
– Rumors and extortion: WhatsApp seeks to prevent the spread of misinformation, rumors and messages that generate chaos, paranoia or threats. Users who are reported for sharing this type of content could face temporary or permanent sanctions.
– WhatsApp groups: The platform is also on the lookout for group names that may promote inappropriate or illegal content, such as the aforementioned example of groups with inappropriate names. These groups could be subject to closure, affecting their members.
An example of this is calling a conversation “Pedophilia.” In this case, the application will not only block the chat administrator, but also the users who are part of the group.
The post first appeared on www.infobae.com