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WhatsApp Accounts Suddenly Placed 'Under Review,' Locking Users Out

Rolling out a fix to restore access, Meta has not disclosed how many accounts were affected or what triggered the reviews.

Overview

  • Many users reported being locked out of WhatsApp after their accounts showed an in-app notice that activity and device information were being checked and that a result would come within 24 hours, with the disruption first surfacing on Monday evening.
  • During the review period affected people could not send messages, make calls, or use other app features and many posted appeals and screenshots on social platforms describing work and daily-life disruption.
  • WhatsApp told reporters its automated enforcement systems can incorrectly flag legitimate accounts and said the company has taken action to restore affected users and is rolling out a fix.
  • Meta has not provided a count of impacted accounts or a definitive technical explanation, leaving uncertainty about whether the reviews came from a software glitch, an enforcement change, or another internal process.
  • The episode highlights how WhatsApp’s largely automated abuse-detection systems can affect many users at once and comes as the app faces heightened public and regulatory attention in India over other product and safety proposals.