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Meta admits technical error caused WhatsApp account suspensions
Meta has admitted to a technical error in its WhatsApp systems that caused legitimate user activity to be wrongly flagged as rule violations, resulting in account suspensions. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that this glitch was identified in more than half of the initial batch of cases submitted to Meta.
Meta stated that the issue was addressed by the end of September, and affected accounts have been proactively restored, including some where users had not yet filed appeals. The company confirmed that no changes were made to WhatsApp’s enforcement policies or terms of service.
For other suspensions, Meta cited factors such as recycled phone numbers previously linked to blocked accounts, spam or scam activity, and suspicious usage patterns. Regarding business accounts, Meta noted that sending high volumes of messages without recipient consent can trigger spam detection. MCMC has requested that Meta improve its appeal and recovery processes to ensure faster and clearer communication for affected users.
Entities
Fahmi Fadzil · Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission · Meta · Meta Platforms Inc · WhatsApp
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sending messages without consent or in high volumes, especially to recipients not in a contact list, can be detected as spam. berita.rtm.gov.my · www.kosmo.com.my
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has requested Meta to improve its appeal and recovery processes for affected users. berita.rtm.gov.my · www.kosmo.com.my
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Meta confirmed that no changes were made to WhatsApp's enforcement policies or Terms of Service. berita.rtm.gov.my
- [○ 1 SOURCE] MCMC will consider further regulatory action if Meta's improvements are deemed inadequate. www.kosmo.com.my
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Meta acknowledged a technical error in its WhatsApp system that caused legitimate user activity to be mistaken for rule violations. berita.rtm.gov.my
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The technical error was identified in more than half of the first group of cases submitted to Meta regarding account suspensions. berita.rtm.gov.my
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The technical error was addressed at the end of September, and affected legitimate accounts were proactively restored. berita.rtm.gov.my