Meta’s Messaging Giant Targets Scams in India and Bolsters User Protection
Whatsapp launches safety tool: Dismantles 6.8 Million Fraudulent Accounts :WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging platform, has intensified its fight against scams by banning 6.8 million accounts in India during June 2025 and introducing a new safety feature called “Context Cards” to protect users from fraudulent messages, according to its latest compliance report.
Sweeping Account Bans in India
Proactive Crackdown on Fraud
In adherence to India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, WhatsApp removed 6,810,000 accounts linked to the Indian country code (+91) in June 2025.
Notably, 1,332,000 of these accounts were proactively banned before any user reports, leveraging advanced detection tools to identify suspicious activities like phishing and impersonation.
Consistent Enforcement Trends
The June bans are part of a sustained effort, following 7.1 million account removals in May 2025 and 6.6 million in April 2025.
These figures, reported monthly as required by Indian regulations, highlight WhatsApp’s commitment to curbing scams, fraud, and other harmful behaviors on its platform, particularly in its largest market.
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Introducing Context Cards for Enhanced Safety
Real-Time Alerts for Suspicious Messages
WhatsApp has rolled out “Context Cards,” a new feature designed to combat fraud by providing pop-up alerts when users receive messages from unknown numbers or are added to group chats by unfamiliar contacts.
These cards display key details, such as the sender’s country of origin or whether a group includes unknown participants, helping users spot potential scams.
User Empowerment and Control
The feature offers options to block, report, or exit chats directly from the alert. For instance, if a user is added to a group by an unknown contact, the Context Card flags this and allows them to leave or report the group.
Similarly, messages from international numbers trigger alerts identifying the sender’s country, aiding in fraud detection. The feature is currently available to select users, with plans for a broader rollout.
Broader Anti-Scam Measures
Combining User Reports and Automation
WhatsApp’s anti-scam efforts rely on both user feedback and automated systems. In June 2025, the platform received 12,635 user complaints in India, leading to “remedial action” for 63 accounts, such as bans or reinstatements after review.
Additionally, WhatsApp complied with a government order to address one account engaged in harmful behavior.
Building on Recent Safety Enhancements
The Context Cards feature complements other recent updates, including a tool that automatically blocks messages from unknown accounts showing suspicious activity.
These initiatives aim to protect users from phishing, impersonation, and other fraudulent schemes that exploit WhatsApp’s vast user base.
Significance for India’s Massive User Base
Protecting a Key Market
With 535 million monthly active users in India—over a quarter of WhatsApp’s global 2 billion users—the platform’s focus on safety is critical.
The high volume of bans and the introduction of Context Cards reflect WhatsApp’s dedication to maintaining trust in its largest market, where scams pose a significant challenge.
Strengthening User Trust
By providing real-time transparency through Context Cards, WhatsApp empowers users to make informed decisions about suspicious messages and groups.
This proactive approach addresses growing concerns about digital fraud, ensuring a safer messaging experience for millions.
This article is based on a report by Brooke Crothers, published by Fox News on August 11, 2025. Read the original at Fox News. Additional context was drawn from posts on X discussing WhatsApp’s safety initiatives.
