What’s banned on WhatsApp

Using WhatsApp for messaging is one of the most important ways to communicate today. However, you could end up with your WhatsApp account being banned in case you don't take care on what you are sending others. WhatsApp servers are monitoring you and you could see your account being suspended either temporarily, or permanently if you don't do it right. Though the service will not terminate your account immediately, they will send you warning messages to ensure you are on track. Here are 8 reasons why your WhatsApp account could get banned.

Sending too many messages to unknown users could get you on their bad list. Spamming, which is mostly encountered by many users today, is usually done by marketing teams. With numerous messages being sent out to unknown people by spammers, they are likely to be on the radar. If you are one of those who keep sending messages that are not related or important enough to an unknown recipient, you could enter the list for being banned. If you are sending out messages to people who you know, make sure that your number is added to their contact list.

Being blocked by many people is another cause of concern. Related to spamming, you could also end up being blocked by people who don't have you on the contact list. Sending irrelevant messages could get you blocked, and if you are blocked by too many over a short period of time, WhatsApp could put your record on the ban list.

Creating too many groups is also an issue. Though you could create as many groups as you want, make sure you add people into the group who have you in their address book. Don't create a group with unknown people, or people who don't have your number on their list.

Sending the same message to too many people could get you in trouble. Such messages could be considered as spam or rumour mongering. A better way to do this is to send a broadcast message.

Sending hoax messages, spreading rumours, submitting links with malware, posting porn, unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libellous, threatening, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive material could also land you in trouble with the law, including being banned from WhatsApp.

If you are spamming or spreading hoax messages or rumours, you could be reported by someone who finds your content offensive. If you are reported to WhatsApp by any user, WhatsApp could investigate and ban you without prior notice.

Lastly, you should not violate any terms and conditions of WhatsApp's services. The terms and conditions are listed on the WhatsApp website, and make sure you go through each of them and understand carefully. Some important rules are as: no using an automated system such as robots or spider apps.

Do not reverse engineer or modify their apps. Use of a third-party modified WhatsApp app is prohibited too. You shall be solely responsible for your own Status Submissions and the consequences of posting or publishing them. You cannot submit copyrighted or protected material on WhatsApp. Unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libellous, threatening, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, or encourages conduct that would be considered a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, violate any law, or is otherwise inappropriate; post advertisements or solicitations of business; impersonate another person; send or store material containing software viruses, worms, Trojan horses or other harmful computer code, files, scripts, agents or programs; interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Service or the data contained therein; or attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service or its related systems or networks.

WhatsApp may also terminate a user's access to the service if they are determined to be a repeat infringer, including being annoying. A repeat infringer is a User who has been notified of infringing activity more than once and/or has had a Status Submission removed from the Service more than twice.

An annoying person is anyone who is (capriciously or not) determined to be annoying by authorised WhatsApp employees, agents, subagents, superagents or superheroes.

WhatsApp permits you to link materials on the Service for personal purposes only. WhatsApp reserves the right to discontinue any aspect of the WhatsApp Service at any time.