Several WhatsApp users, including many in India, reported that their accounts had been unexpectedly placed “under review” on Monday evening, temporarily restricting access to the Meta-owned messaging platform and prompting complaints across social media.
The issue surfaced at around 8 pm IST, when affected users said they were unable to use WhatsApp’s features after receiving an in-app notification stating that their accounts were being reviewed for compliance with the platform’s Terms of Service, reports news agency PTI
The message displayed on the app read: “Account in review. Date requested: 3 Aug 2026. Your account activity and device info is being checked to make sure it follows our terms of service. We will notify you of the result, typically within 24 hours.”
Below these remarks, the app shows an option to learn about account issues, which includes “How to use WhatsApp responsibly. See guidance” and an option “About stolen phone and accounts.”
Responding to the reports, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the platform continuously works to detect and prevent abuse while protecting legitimate users.
“We are always working to stay ahead of those trying to abuse our service and ban accounts to help keep other users safe. Sometimes we get this wrong and if we do, we try to fix it as quickly as possible to get people back to chatting,” PTI quoted a WhatsApp spokesperson as saying.
The company did not disclose how many accounts were affected or whether the reviews were linked to a technical issue, an automated enforcement system, or a broader anti-spam initiative.
Many users claimed the review was triggered without any prior warning and said they had not engaged in any activity that would violate the platform’s policies.
Several took to social media to question why their accounts had been restricted and to seek clarification from the company.
It remains unclear whether the issue was limited to specific regions or affected users globally.
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Published By:
Karishma Saurabh Kalita
Published On:
Aug 4, 2026 07:43 IST