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Why did Meta shut down millions of WhatsApp accounts?

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Meta shut down nearly 7 million WhatsApp accounts after detecting scam-related behavior, mainly linked to criminal rings in Southeast Asia. The company used AI-driven safety measures to identify suspicious activity, not by reading encrypted messages, and targeted scams such as fake crypto investments and pyramid schemes.

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CBS News

Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams

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CBS News
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  • Meta shut down nearly 7 million WhatsApp accounts linked to scams in the first half of the year. 7s
  • The company used behavioral detection, not message content, due to encryption. 18s
  • New AI-powered safety features have been launched to combat scams, including suspicious message detection and enhanced blocking. 38s
  • Meta and OpenAI disrupted a scam traced to Cambodia that used AI-generated messages. 1m 12s
  • Users are advised to verify messages and be wary of requests for upfront payments. 1m 35s
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References

Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams
Icon
CBS News
9 hours ago
Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams

Meta shut down nearly 7 million WhatsApp accounts linked to scammers in the first half of the year, detecting scammy behavior rather than reading messages.

Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams
Icon
CBS News
9 hours ago
Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams

The accounts were linked to criminal rings across Southeast Asia, prompting Meta to introduce new AI-powered safety measures.

Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams
Icon
CBS News
9 hours ago
Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams

Criminal groups used the accounts for scams like fake crypto investments and pyramid schemes, often asking for upfront payments.

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