WhatsApp attributes mass account blocks to global system error

Meta has clarified that the recent mass blocking of WhatsApp accounts in Indonesia was caused by a global system error during an update to its illegal activity detection mechanisms. Esther Samboh, Head of Public Policy for WhatsApp and Messenger in Asia Pacific, stated that while the system uses various signals to identify violations of service terms, the process resulted in unintended account deactivations.

Samboh emphasized that the issue was not a coordinated effort targeting users in Indonesia, but rather a global technical error. WhatsApp has implemented mitigation measures to restore access to affected accounts. Users whose accounts were mistakenly blocked can submit an appeal directly through the application, which the company commits to reviewing in less than 24 hours.

In response to widespread public complaints, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has sought formal explanations from Meta. Director General of Digital Space Supervision, Alexander, noted that the ministry has been in communication with Meta since mid-August to address the surge in reports regarding deactivated accounts.