The instant messaging platform, WhatsApp banned over 29 lakh accounts in India in January 2023 reported the company said in its monthly compliance report.

The banning was reportedly done in accordance with the new IT Regulations 2021.

Last year, in December, the company had blocked 36 lakh accounts in India.

From January 1 to 31 "2,918,000 WhatsApp accounts were banned. 1,038,000 of these accounts were proactively banned, before any reports from users," the company said in its report.

According to reports, what's app which has nearly 500 million users in the country got 1,461 complaints in January, out of which 195 were accordingly "acted upon”.

"This report contains details of the user complaints received and the corresponding action taken by WhatsApp, as well as WhatsApp's own preventive actions to combat abuse on our platform," said a company spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and IT on Tuesday formed the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC).

This committee will help the social media users to investigate their complaints or concerns over content and other issues.

The newly formed Committee was made as part of strengthening the country's digital laws and to tame the Big Tech companies.

Last month, the Ministry of Electronics and IT, in accordance with the recently amended IT Rules 2021, had notified the establishment of three Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs).

In order to make sure that the internet remains open, safe, trusted and accountable Internet, the Ministry of Electronics and IT has notified some amendments aimed at protecting the rights of 'Digital Nagriks'.

Source- The Statesman