1 Crore Indian Numbers Banned Every Month on WhatsApp: Why the Government Wants Access to This Data

WhatsApp bans nearly 1 crore Indian accounts every month involved in cyber fraud. Now, the Indian government is seeking information on these banned numbers to prevent fraudsters from exploiting other apps. Once blocked on one platform, cybercriminals often move to others, continuing their illegal activities.

WhatsApp Ban Figures Raise Concerns
On average, WhatsApp disables around 98 lakh to 1 crore accounts monthly in India, highlighting the widespread misuse of mobile numbers. Fraudsters use these numbers to commit scams, causing the government to take notice. India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with millions of users, but rising fraud cases have prompted authorities to consider stricter measures.

Fraudsters Move Across Apps
According to reports, WhatsApp shares monthly ban statistics but not the details of the banned accounts. Authorities argue that this lack of information hinders efforts to stop cyber fraud and spam. Many blocked numbers reappear on other messaging platforms like Telegram, continuing fraudulent activities. Criminals operate both domestically and internationally, often using OTP-based apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to execute scams. Once an account is created, a physical SIM card may no longer be needed, making it difficult to trace offenders.

Cybercriminals Exploit Fear to Extort Money
Officials say that about 95% of frauds on WhatsApp involve digital identity manipulation, with scammers intimidating victims to extract money. The government is concerned about the growing misuse of Indian mobile numbers and emphasizes the need to verify SIM issuance dates and KYC details to prevent fraud.

Government-Directed Action
Following government directives, platforms are asked to suspend accounts involved in scams. The Department of Telecommunications reported that until November this year, around 29 lakh WhatsApp profiles and groups were blocked under government instruction, with details of these numbers available to authorities. However, when WhatsApp bans accounts independently, the government receives no information. WhatsApp provides only the total count of banned accounts, not the individual numbers. Authorities clarify that the government is not seeking personal data, only the numbers to verify authenticity and prevent fraud.

Why the Government Needs More Data
A former official explained that monthly reporting aims to ensure transparency and accountability on digital platforms. While WhatsApp relies on end-to-end encryption and bans are based on user behavior, withholding information can hinder security measures. Access to banned numbers would enable authorities to take stronger, targeted steps against cybercrime.