The terms of use on WhatsApp have been making headlines for weeks, mainly because of an upcoming change. The existing WhatsApp terms and conditions are already quite strict and provide some rules. If you do not adhere to these, you can lose your account forever.
If a user does not behave in accordance with the specified WhatsApp rules, other users can report the misconduct using the “Report” function on WhatsApp. There are eight rules that are particularly important in order to avoid permanent account suspension.
The most important WhatsApp rules at a glance
1. No calls to violence
Aggressive behavior such as threatening, harassing, intimidating and otherwise hateful content are absolute no-go’s with the messenger app. WhatsApp threatens to react severely to the “glorification of violence and crime”. This behavior, by the way, can not only result in the account being blocked in the future. Because recently a law was passed that will criminalize such acts.
2. Malicious rumors, slander and fake news
As inadmissible as fake news, defamation and “the publication of untruths, misrepresentations or misleading statements” are also punished. Incidentally, this WhatsApp rule does not only apply to users who come up with such content. Distribution can also lead to account blocking if reported accordingly. So do not pass on such information unchecked.
3. Insults are not permitted
No content may be created that is “obscene, offensive, […] Are racially or ethnically offensive, or incite or encourage behavior that would be illegal or otherwise inappropriate […]. ”Here too, such statements can also be criminally relevant.
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4. Sending chain letters is prohibited
Hardly any WhatsApp user can expect it: Copying and forwarding “inadmissible messages such as mass messages” or chain letters is illegal and strictly forbidden on WhatsApp. Especially in Corona times, fake news and rip-offs spread particularly quickly. In a specific example, fears of the virus were played with.
5. No identity theft
Assuming someone else’s identity is not allowed on WhatsApp. Each user can create a name for his profile, which his contacts can see. The use of a real name is not mandatory. A foreign real name in connection with a stolen photo may lead to blocking.
6. Minimum age 16 on WhatsApp
EU citizens must be at least 16 years old to use the service. Some EU countries have their own age. In countries outside the European Union, the minimum age is only 13 years. Germany, however, is one of the EU countries with a 16-year rule. Younger users could be reported.
7. Only send your own photos
The “right to intellectual property or other property rights” is sensitive and must not be violated. Accordingly, you can only send photos that you have produced yourself or to which you hold the rights.
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8. Spread malware
On the other hand, it is relatively obvious that WhatsApp immediately blocks the accounts of users who bring viruses and malware into circulation. This could be the case as soon as you send messages and these attachments contain viruses. Even if you only forward these files (photos, videos, documents, etc.) and not create them yourself. One of the most sensible WhatsApp rules. It is best to report such violations immediately.
Most violations go unpunished
As everyone should be aware, not every violation of one of the WhatsApp rules leads to account suspension. Last but not least, a message is always required, which in most cases does not take place. While another user is seldom active when sending images, this can happen in the case of threats and insults. TECHBOOK advises you to report these crimes. Hate on the Internet and on messengers is becoming an ever greater problem and must be combated.
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