WhatsApp determined to take legal action against the users who ‘abuse’ the platform

After being used actively for sharing inappropriate videos/images, WhatsApp – the leading messaging platform — decides to take strict legal action against the individuals and the companies that violate its terms of service. Up until now, the messaging app was strict regarding bulk and spam messaging through their services. However, the company is now determined to put an end to the situation by hauling the ‘trouble-causing’ users into court.

Yes, you heard it right!

The Facebook-owned messaging app will now take legal action against the users who violate their guidelines. The rule is set in place to prevent abuse such as automated or bulk messaging and the use of the service for non-personal means.

"Our products are not intended for bulk or automated messaging, both of which have always been a violation of our Terms of Service.", explained Whatsapp team in a FAQ page.

The rules will take effect from December 7, 2019. The company has stated all the regulations on their security and privacy page where they confirm their right to take legal action in any circumstance that is offending to their policies, even if clues of the violation are found on another social networking app or website.

"For example, off-platform information includes public claims from companies about their ability to use WhatsApp in ways that violate our Terms [and policies]. This serves as notice that we will take legal action against companies for which we only have off-platform evidence of abuse if that abuse continues beyond December 7, 2019, or if those companies are linked to on-platform evidence of abuse before that date."

The company will, however, continue using technological methods such as banning accounts using machine learning protocols.


Photo: Chesnot / Getty Images

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