WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide. With over two billion active users, its presence in daily life has become indispensable. However, what many users don't know is that there are certain prohibited words and expressions that, if used on the platform, can lead to a number of threats. may trigger suspension or permanent blocking of the account.
In recent years, Meta—the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram—has strengthened its policies to create safer digital environments. This intention is reflected in the Terms and Conditions that all users accept when creating an account on WhatsApp. Although messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, the platform has mechanisms to detect behaviors that violate its community standards, primarily through the reporting system. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about these sanctions, what words are considered dangerous, how WhatsApp deals with this, and how to avoid having your account blocked.
What types of words are banned on WhatsApp?
Meta has implemented a set of strict rules to ensure that WhatsApp remains a safe and respectful communication channel. To this end, it has determined that certain topics are unacceptable within the app. WhatsApp does not allow the use of content that includes violence, discrimination, harassment, pornography, pedophilia or hateThis type of content covers both text messages and multimedia files—images, videos, or audio—that promote or incite dangerous or criminal behavior.
Furthermore, the platform also strongly opposes the spread of fake news o fake news, defamatory statements, intimidation, or any type of misleading content that may affect other users. Although WhatsApp technically does not have the ability to read all private messages due to end-to-end encryption, Yes, you can act if you receive a report from another user..
The role of users in content reporting
One of the keys to WhatsApp's sanctions system is that there is no automated monitoring of conversationsContent review is only triggered when another user submits a report through the app's built-in features.
Once a report is received, WhatsApp accesses the last five messages in the conversation where the potential problem was detected. These messages can be text, images, videos, voice notes, links, or any other type of file. Under no circumstances is the reported user informed of the identity of the complainant.
Additionally, WhatsApp analyzes additional information such as the type of platform used (Android, iOS, web), the date and time the message was sent, and other technical elements. This review helps determine if any service policies have been violated. If confirmed, the account may receive a temporary or even permanent sanction.
What are the forbidden words on WhatsApp?
There is no public list officially recognized by Meta detailing all the words banned on WhatsApp. However, some recurring terms have been identified that, because they are associated with serious crimes or violent behavior, can lead to temporary or permanent block from an account if they are used in a conversation and reported. These words include:
- Pedophilia
- Pornography
- Violence
- Hate
- Discrimination
- Bullying
These words are related to criminal offenses and actions that may violate the integrity of other users. Even if they are mentioned in a joking context or without the intention of causing harm, Their mere presence in a reported message could initiate a review process.
Can WhatsApp read my private messages?
A key aspect that generates confusion is the scope of the end-to-end encryptionThis security system ensures that only the sender and recipient of a message can see its contents. Not even WhatsApp has direct access to chats.
However, this system has an exception linked to the content complaintsWhen a user reports a conversation, WhatsApp automatically receives the last five messages from the chat in question. From there, if any violation is detected, action is taken.
This mechanism allows the application to respond to misuse cases without violating users' overall privacy. That is, the review is not proactive, but reactive after a report.
Types of sanctions that WhatsApp can apply to the use of prohibited words
Depending on the severity of the violation, WhatsApp may apply different types of sanctions:
- temporary lock: The user will be unable to access their account for a period that can range from a few hours to several days. This typically occurs in minor cases or first-time violations.
- Permanent lockIf a serious or repeated violation is detected, the account may be suspended indefinitely. This means the phone number will be banned, and you will no longer be able to use WhatsApp with that number.
In both cases, the application usually displays the message Temporarily banned or a permanent block notice. No prior warning is usually sent, as the system assumes the user accepted the terms and conditions upon registration. In the case of permanent blocks, The only option to use the service again would be to change your phone number..
Other factors that can cause an account to be suspended
In addition to the use of sensitive words, WhatsApp may also suspend accounts for other equally important reasons:
- Distribute illegal or restricted content, including violent images, child pornography, threats or falsified documents.
- Impersonating another person or impersonate an official entity.
- Sending spam or bulk messages to strangers, which is considered a form of harassment or attempted fraud.
- Violate copyright sharing content that does not belong to the user or that they are not authorized to distribute.
All these behaviors are expressly prohibited in the WhatsApp usage policies and can result in penalties similar to those for the use of dangerous language.
What to do if your account has been suspended?
If you encounter the message that your account has been blocked, the first thing is to identify if it is a temporary or permanent blockIn the first case, you simply have to wait the time indicated by the app. In the second, you won't be able to log in again with the affected number.
In any case, you can contact WhatsApp support to try to appeal the sanction, although in general the decisions are final if a sanction has been detected. clear violation of platform policies.
How to avoid sanctions on WhatsApp
The easiest and safest way to keep your account active is to follow certain responsible usage practices within the app:
- Avoid using offensive language or related to crimes, even in a joking tone.
- Share only true and verified content to avoid spreading false information.
- Do not spam or use mailing lists without consent. of the recipients.
- Respect privacy limits from other users and do not use images or videos without their permission.
- Act with caution in groups and ensure that administrators foster a safe and respectful environment.
WhatsApp's security policies may seem strict, but they are designed to protect users from potential abuse. It's important to be aware of the type of content being shared and remember that even if there isn't constant monitoring, Users themselves have the power to report inappropriate behavior.
By following the basic rules of respect and civility, you should have no problems continuing to use this app without any problems. Share this information so other users know how to write on WhatsApp..