Are there rules for WhatsApp? Yes, sure. If you break this, you may even be blocked from the messenger service.

WhatsApp has 2 billion users worldwide, over 33 million in Germany and almost 4 million in Austria. It is obvious that there must be guidelines for this.

WhatsApp guidelines

There is certainly no denying that insults sometimes occur in various conversations. Fake news is also spread far too often via WhatsApp. What many people probably don't realize is that this approach is already violating the messenger service's guidelines

In most cases you will probably be blocked by users. Everyone probably knows this function. However, word hasn't really gotten around yet that you can report users.

Violations of the rules

So you shouldn't break these rules. If you do so, in the worst case scenario this could lead to a ban.

These are the 9 reasons for a possible WhatsApp account blocking:

  1. Insulting other users
  2. Threats of violence towards other users
  3. Spreading fake news
  4. Sending spam messages
  5. Pretending another identity
  6. Spreading malware (viruses, Trojans, etc.)
  7. Manipulate or hack WhatsApp code
  8. Explore other users
  9. Frequently changing phone numbers
Insulting other users

Insulting, harassing or making racist or “ethnically offensive” comments about other users can lead to a ban from WhatsApp.

Threats of violence towards other users

Under no circumstances may you encourage or even incite other users to engage in illegal or “otherwise inappropriate” behavior. This also includes the glorification of violence or violent crimes.

Spreading fake news

There is a risk of being banned if you spread untruths, misrepresentations of information or even misleading statements.

Sending spam messages

WhatsApp is not intended for sending “bulk messages”.
“Auto-messaging” or “auto-dialing” – messages or calls that are created in advance and sent at a later, specified time – are also prohibited. There is only an exception here if WhatsApp approves this in advance.

Pretending another identity

There is no real name requirement on WhatsApp, and the identity of the user is not checked. However, it is forbidden to assume the identity of another person and act on WhatsApp on their behalf or spread nonsense.

Spreading malware (viruses, Trojans, etc.)

WhatsApp offers the option of sending documents or files from a computer. There is a risk that malware will be sent, which will, however, be punished immediately.

Manipulate or hack WhatsApp code

User security is ensured, for example, by end-to-end encryption. However, if you try to hack the app or manipulate the code, you will be blocked.

Explore other users

If you collect information about other users “in any improper or unauthorized way” and thus spy on them, this will not be tolerated by WhatsApp.

Frequently changing phone numbers

If you have a smartphone with dual SIM function, you have to choose one of the two phone numbers. If you change your phone number too often, you may be “eventually excluded from the verification process”.

Report a user

Since WhatsApp cannot view the chat content due to encryption, information about rule violations is essential. And this happens via the reporting function.

To report a user because they have violated the applicable guidelines, you first select the corresponding chat.
Then tap on the three dots (top right), select “More” and then “Report”.
In the next step, you confirm again that you want to report this user and can also block him and delete the chat history. WhatsApp itself looks at the matter and ultimately decides on the amount of the penalty. Depending on the severity of the violation, this can range from a warning to a temporary ban or even expulsion.

What to do in case of a ban?

If you are actually blocked , you will receive a message asking you to contact support.

Article Image: From BigTunaOnline /Shutterstock.com
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )