Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams. Here's what to know.

Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams. Here's what to know.

Meta says it has shut down nearly 7 million WhatsApp accounts linked to scammers just in the first half of 2025. To keep users safe, WhatsApp has now launched new AI-powered safety features to combat scams, including suspicious message detection and group invite warnings.

Truth Analysis

Factual Accuracy
3/5
Bias Level
4/5

Analysis Summary:

The article presents mixed accuracy. While it mentions Meta shutting down WhatsApp accounts linked to scams and introducing AI safety features, the specific number of accounts shut down (7 million in the first half of 2025) is not consistently supported by the provided sources, with some sources reporting different numbers and timeframes. The article exhibits minimal bias, presenting the information in a relatively objective manner.

Detailed Analysis:

  • Claim: Meta has shut down nearly 7 million WhatsApp accounts linked to scammers in the first half of 2025.
  • Verification Source #2: Reports Meta shutting down over 700 accounts associated with a cryptocurrency scam in June 2025.
  • Verification Source #5: Reports Meta banning over 6.8 million accounts, timeframe not specified but likely recent.
  • Assessment: Partially supported. Source 5 supports a similar number, but the timeframe (first half of 2025) is not explicitly confirmed. Source 2 mentions a much smaller number of accounts shut down in June 2025 related to a specific scam.
  • Claim: WhatsApp has launched new AI-powered safety features to combat scams, including suspicious message detection and group invite warnings.
  • Verification Source #5: Reports the platform rolling out a safety overview feature.
  • Assessment: Partially supported. Source 5 mentions a safety feature rollout, but doesn't explicitly confirm AI-powered features, suspicious message detection, or group invite warnings.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

  • Source 5: Meta rolls out WhatsApp security tips after banning over 6.8 million ...
  • Source 2: Joint Investigation Disrupts Cryptocurrency Scam that Used ... After learning of the investigation, Meta shut down more than 700 accounts associated with the “Black Hat” advertiser