Over the years, WhatsApp has emerged to be the most used mode of communication for most. From conducting business to chatting with friends and family, it has become the tool that millions of people across the world use on a daily basis.

With the increment of WhatsApp users, it also became a platform for the spread of misinformation and fake news. The platform put up regulations to prevent its misuse. This is inclusive of encouraging users to report issues and take measures of alerting people about fake news and forwarded spam messages.

As per WhatsApp’s Terms of Service “We ban accounts if we believe the account activity violates our Terms of Service. We recommend carefully reviewing the “Acceptable Use of Our Services” section of our Terms of Service to learn more about the appropriate uses of WhatsApp and the activities that violate our Terms of Service.”

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Here are 7 things that could possibly get you banned from the WhatsApp platform:

Creating fake accounts of someone

WhatsApp’s guidelines clearly indicate that accounts will be banned if it’s found that you have created an account for someone else and impersonated.

Sending many messages to users that are not on your contact list

Spamming WhatsApp users who aren’t on your contact list will get you banned. They will take action if you are “sending illegal or impermissible communications such as bulk messaging, auto-messaging, auto-dialling, and the like”

Using third-party apps like GBWhatsapp

Always ensure that you are using the official WhatsApp app. Using third-party apps like GBWhatsApp will get you banned. It is not permitted to use these apps due to security and privacy concerns.

Getting blocked or reported by many WhatsApp users

Many users who block you over a short period of time increase the chances of getting your account blocked. WhatsApp also allows users to report contact from their profile information.

Sending defamatory, threatening or obscene messages and clips

As per WhatsApp guidelines, you can be banned for sending “illegal, obscene, defamatory, threatening, intimidating, harassing, hateful messages”.

Sending messages promoting violence

WhatsApp clearly informs users to prevent using the platform to spread hateful messages “such as promoting violent crimes, endangering or exploiting children or others, or coordinating harm.”

Sending malware to other users

Sending malware and viruses to other users for malicious purposes is strictly prohibited and will get a user banned.