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4 things that can block your number in WhatsApp during these elections of Lok Sabha
- The Lok Sabha elections took place on April 11 and there are six more phases remaining
- WhatsApp has actually blocked numbers that spread false information
The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections took place on April 11 and there are six more phases remaining. Social media and messages are a key part of these elections and, therefore, there is a lot of emphasis on false news and misinformation being spread. So much so that Facebook's instant messaging platform, WhatsApp, has actually blocked numbers that spread false information. WhatsApp has also disabled the chat feature for many numbers. If you are actively using WhatsApp to have a discussion about elections, you should be careful with messages that you send or that may end up being blocked.
Here are four things that can block your number on WhatsApp:
1. Unwanted, automated or bulk messages:
WhatsApp in its FAQ section on its website clearly states that users should not try to "try to send a massive message, send automated messages or dial automatically using WhatsApp." WhatsApp uses both machine learning technology and user reports to detect and prohibit accounts that send unwanted messages. If you contact users in a way they may not want, then you can be banned. Avoid creating accounts or groups in an unauthorized or automated way, or use modified versions of WhatsApp.
2. Use contact lists that are not yours:
WhatsApp tells users to never share "phone numbers without the consent of people or use data obtained from illicit sources (for example, buying lists of phone numbers) to send messages to users on WhatsApp or add them to groups"
3. Excessive use of broadcast lists:
Often people have a tendency to broadcast messages using a certain list. WhatsApp states that messages sent using a broadcast list will only be received when users have added their phone number to their contact list. If you frequently use broadcast messages, there may be people who report your messages. In such cases, WhatsApp blocks the accounts that are reported several times.
4. Violate WhatsApp's terms of service:
As part of the terms of service of WhatsApp, it is prohibited, "among other things, to publish falsehoods and engage in illegal, threatening, intimidating, hateful and racially or ethnically offensive behaviour."
