WhatsApp to Take Legal Actions against Spammers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - WhatsApp is to take legal action against users who abuses the messaging app to send bulk and automated messages. The policy is taken to prevent the sending of spam messages.

The Independent reported on Thursday, June 13, that the anti-spam rule will be included in WhatsApp terms and services, which would result in sanctions for violating users. The Facebook-owned company also plans taking other legal actions for violators.

WhatsApp had previously announced that starting on December 7 this year they would take legal action against those we determine are engaged in or assisting others in the abuse that violates our terms of service, such as automated or bulk messaging.

The company reminded that the system is meant to be used as a private messaging platform, or for companies to interact with customers via the Business app. WhatsApp asserted it will not tolerate spam messages.

“WhatsApp was designed for private messaging, so we’ve taken action to prevent bulk messaging and enforce limits on how WhatsApp can be used,” a spokesman said.

The spokesman added the company has "stepped up" abilities to identify accounts that misuse WhatsApp, "which helps us ban two million accounts globally per month."

Earlier this year, the company confirmed it would be limiting the number of times users can only forward a single message to no more than five times. This is done as an attempt to stop the spreading of false information.

INDEPENDENT | WHATSAPP WEB | PRESS ASSOCIATION