For several hours now, several people have discovered that their WhatsApp account was blocked and marked as “under review.” The app explains that Meta is checking account activity and device information, a process that usually takes up to 24 hours, but why?. According to TechCrunch, there is a glitch in the automated review systems.
An automatic review triggered in error
WhatsApp, like the vast majority of services, uses tools to detect spam, fraud, and abuse. These protections allow Meta to review accounts when certain usage patterns seem suspicious. In this case, however, the system appears to have suspended accounts that were being used normally due to a classification error. Here’s what the company said in a statement to TechCrunch:
“We work constantly to stay one step ahead of those who try to misuse our service and we block accounts to help protect other users. Sometimes we make mistakes and, when that happens, we try to fix it as quickly as possible so those people can get back to chatting. We have taken steps to restore the affected accounts.”
The notice already confirms that this is a temporary review, different from cases involving behavior that can lead to a ban, but Meta’s confirmation of the error will no doubt reassure many users.
While we keep following the usual practices to avoid having our account blocked, if we are among those affected, we can wait for the app’s response. WhatsApp usually notifies users within 24 hours and Meta has already started restoring the accounts flagged by mistake.
