Messaging platform WhatsApp has temporarily placed several user accounts in India and a few other countries under review, restricting access to messaging and calling features for up to 24 hours. The unexpected action prompted complaints from affected users, many of whom said their accounts were flagged without prior warning.

When users opened the application, they were greeted with a notification stating that their account was under review. The message noted that account activity and device information were being examined to verify compliance with WhatsApp's Terms of Service.

The issue triggered widespread discussion on social media, where users questioned why their accounts had been restricted despite claiming they had not violated any platform rules.

Users Report Sudden Restrictions

According to users, the issue began on Monday evening, with accounts suddenly becoming inaccessible for messaging and voice calls.

The review notification displayed a request date of August 3, 2026, along with information that WhatsApp was conducting an automated security review. No advance warning or notification was reportedly issued before the restrictions were applied.

WhatsApp Explains Review Process

Responding to the concerns, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the company continuously works to prevent misuse of its platform and safeguard users.

The spokesperson acknowledged that automated systems can occasionally make mistakes.

"We work constantly to stay ahead of those who misuse our services and take action to protect other users. Sometimes our systems make mistakes, and when that happens, we try to restore access as quickly as possible," the company said.

How the Review Process Works

According to information displayed within the application, the review process generally follows four stages:

• An "Account in Review" notification appears.

• A 24-hour review period begins, during which messaging and calling features remain unavailable.

• WhatsApp's automated systems review account activity, while users may submit an appeal if available.

• The account is either restored after verification or permanently restricted if violations are confirmed.

The review screen also provides links explaining responsible use of WhatsApp and guidance for users dealing with stolen phones or compromised accounts.

Users Voice Frustration Online

Several affected users shared their experiences on social media, saying their accounts had been restricted despite using only the official WhatsApp application.

One user wrote that the account had been disabled without explanation and that only a 24-hour review message appeared after an appeal was submitted.

Another user said the suspension had disrupted daily work because business communication depended entirely on WhatsApp.

Many users urged the company to improve transparency around its automated moderation systems and provide clearer explanations before restricting accounts.

What Users Should Do

Users whose accounts have been placed under review are advised to wait for the verification process to be completed.

If an appeal option is available within the application, users can submit their request for review. They may also contact WhatsApp Support through the official help channels.

In cases where no policy violations are found, access is generally restored automatically once the review process is complete.

The incident comes as digital platforms continue to strengthen automated safety systems while balancing security measures with user convenience.

Global technology, corporate earnings, taxation, and digital communication remained in focus on Wednesday, with Russia placing Telegram founder Pavel Durov on its international wanted list, Adani Group companies announcing contrasting quarterly results, and WhatsApp introducing web-based calling functionality.

Russia places Telegram founder Pavel Durov on international wanted list

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has formally charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity and placed him on an international wanted list.

Russian authorities allege Telegram failed to remove channels, bots, and groups that were allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and extremist organizations for cyber fraud, sabotage, and terrorist activities inside Russia.

The case further intensifies the Kremlin's long-standing dispute with Telegram. Durov, who currently resides in the UAE, has previously maintained that Telegram prioritizes user privacy and freedom of speech. Extradition remains unlikely unless he travels to a country with an extradition agreement with Russia.

Adani Enterprises reports ₹1,160 crore quarterly loss

Adani Enterprises reported a consolidated net loss of ₹1,160 crore for the April-June quarter of FY2026-27, compared with a profit of ₹885 crore during the same period last year.

The company attributed the loss primarily to a ₹2,644 crore settlement payment made to a US regulatory authority.

Despite the loss, Adani Enterprises recorded strong operational growth.

• Revenue surged nearly 50% year-on-year

• Quarterly revenue increased to ₹32,900 crore (approx.), reflecting robust performance across its diversified businesses.

The settlement-related one-time expense significantly impacted the bottom line despite higher operating income.

Adani Ports posts double-digit profit growth

In contrast, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) delivered a strong first-quarter performance.

The company reported:

• Net Profit: ₹3,650 crore (up 10% YoY)

• Revenue: ₹10,821 crore (up 19% YoY)

The growth was driven by higher cargo volumes, improved domestic port operations, and continued expansion of international logistics businesses.

The company maintained positive guidance for the remainder of the financial year.

Only three days left to file Income Tax Returns

The Income Tax Department has reminded taxpayers that July 31, 2026 is the last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for most salaried individuals.

Taxpayers who miss the deadline can still submit a belated return until December 31, 2026, but will be required to pay a late filing fee of up to ₹5,000, depending on taxable income.

Tax experts advise taxpayers to verify Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), and pre-filled return details before submission to avoid future notices.

WhatsApp Web gets audio and video calling support

Meta-owned WhatsApp has rolled out audio and video calling directly through WhatsApp Web, eliminating the need to install the desktop application.

The new feature allows users to:

• Make and receive voice calls

• Conduct video calls directly from supported web browsers

• Use screen sharing during calls

The update is expected to benefit office users, students, and individuals working on shared or restricted computers where installing desktop applications is not permitted.

Market Watch

• Indian equity markets are expected to remain focused on corporate earnings and global developments.

• Investors will track quarterly results from Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai Motor India.

• Manipal Health Enterprises IPO opens for subscription today.

• Petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged across major Indian cities.

WhatsApp is rolling out a new Username feature that will let people start chats without sharing their mobile numbers. The company has already opened username reservations globally, and the rollout will expand gradually across countries over the coming months.

The feature is aimed at improving privacy and making it easier to connect with new people, such as classmates, neighbours, event contacts, or parents in school and sports groups. WhatsApp says the change is not meant to work like Instagram or X, because usernames will not be public or searchable in a directory.

How it works

Users will be able to create a unique username made up of 3 to 35 characters using lowercase letters, numbers, dots and underscores. Once set, the username can be changed or removed later if needed. New contacts will be able to message a user through the username instead of seeing the phone number.

WhatsApp says existing chats will not be affected. People who already have your number saved will continue to chat with you as before, while the phone number will still be required to create and use the account.

Privacy and safety

The company will not provide a public username search or suggestion system, so someone can contact you only if they know your exact username. WhatsApp is also introducing an optional Username Key, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a special key before someone can start a first-time chat.

This extra step is designed to reduce spam and unwanted messages. Blocking, reporting and end-to-end encryption will remain unchanged under the new system.

For creators and businesses

WhatsApp says creators, businesses and organisations will be able to use the same username across WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook wherever available. Some high-profile usernames tied to celebrities or major brands may be reserved to prevent impersonation.

For businesses, the feature could make customer communication easier without exposing personal contact details. For users, the biggest change is simple: new conversations may soon begin with a username instead of a phone number.

A WhatsApp account unexpectedly logging out may seem like a temporary technical issue, but cybersecurity experts warn that it can often signal something far more serious. With billions of users worldwide relying on the messaging platform for daily communication, hackers continue to target accounts through verification code scams, unauthorized logins, and identity theft attempts. Users who suddenly lose access to their WhatsApp accounts are being advised to take immediate action to secure their information and recover control before fraudsters can exploit their contacts or private conversations.

According to reports, WhatsApp does not usually sign users out without a reason. Therefore, an unexpected logout should be treated as a potential security concern. In many cases, cybercriminals attempt to gain access by intercepting verification codes or using social engineering tactics to take control of an account.

Signs of Account Compromise

Experts say the most obvious warning sign is being logged out of WhatsApp without initiating the action yourself. Users may also notice unusual activity, such as messages being sent without their knowledge, changes to account settings, or unfamiliar devices appearing in the linked devices section.

If any of these signs appear, immediate action can help prevent further misuse of the account and personal information.

Recovery Process

Users who suspect their WhatsApp account has been compromised should first check whether call forwarding has been enabled on their phone. Fraudsters sometimes use call-forwarding settings to intercept verification calls sent by WhatsApp.

To verify this, users can open their phone dialer, enter #21#, and press the call button. The code displays active call-forwarding settings, allowing users to identify and disable any suspicious configurations.

The next step is to visit WhatsApp's official support portal and submit an account recovery request. While completing the form, users should provide their registered phone number and select the option indicating that their account has been hacked. A detailed explanation of the issue, including unexpected logout and suspected unauthorized access, can help expedite the review process.

After submission, WhatsApp's support team reviews the complaint and guides affected users through the recovery procedure.

Strengthening Account Security

Once access is restored, cybersecurity specialists recommend enabling two-step verification. This feature adds an additional six-digit PIN that must be entered when registering the account on a new device, significantly improving security.

Users should also regularly review the "Linked Devices" section within WhatsApp settings. Any unfamiliar device should be removed immediately to prevent unauthorized access.

Another important precaution is never sharing verification codes with anyone. WhatsApp does not request verification codes through messages, emails, or phone calls. Any such request should be treated as a scam attempt.

Growing Cybersecurity Concerns

As messaging applications become increasingly central to personal and professional communication, cybercrime targeting these platforms continues to rise. Fraudsters often use compromised accounts to impersonate victims, request money from contacts, or distribute malicious links.

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that quick action is critical. The longer hackers retain access to an account, the greater the risk of financial fraud, privacy breaches, and reputational damage. Users who notice unusual activity should report the issue immediately and begin the recovery process without delay.

With digital threats becoming more sophisticated, maintaining strong account security and staying alert to warning signs remain essential steps for protecting personal information online.

A major new lawsuit is challenging the fundamental privacy promise of the world's most popular messaging app. An international group of WhatsApp users has filed a proposed class action in a U.S. federal court, alleging that Meta Platforms, Inc. can access, store, and analyze users' private communications despite marketing WhatsApp as having secure end-to-end encryption. Meta has forcefully denied the allegations, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle over digital privacy.

Core Allegations: A Breach of Trust?

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, accuses Meta and its leadership of "defrauding WhatsApp's billions of users worldwide". The plaintiffs—individuals from Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, and South Africa—argue that the company's long-standing privacy assurances are misleading.

According to the complaint, WhatsApp and its parent company Meta "store, analyse, and can access virtually all of WhatsApp users’ purportedly ‘private’ communications". The filing further claims that company employees have the ability to access the substance of user messages. These allegations are partially based on accounts from unnamed whistleblowers, according to the lawsuit.

Meta's Forceful Denial

Meta has issued a categorical rejection of the lawsuit's claims. Company spokesperson Andy Stone stated, “Any claim that people’s WhatsApp messages are not encrypted is categorically false and absurd”.

In its defense, Meta emphasizes that WhatsApp has used the Signal protocol for end-to-end encryption for over a decade, a standard widely respected in the security community. The company has labeled the legal action a “frivolous work of fiction” and announced it will seek sanctions against the plaintiffs' lawyers.

Background: A Pattern of Privacy Concerns

This lawsuit does not emerge in a vacuum. It follows a series of incidents that have raised questions about WhatsApp's and Meta's commitment to user privacy:

Previous Whistleblower Lawsuit: In September 2025, former WhatsApp head of security Attaullah Baig sued Meta, alleging "systemic cybersecurity failures." Baig claimed approximately 1,500 WhatsApp engineers had unrestricted access to sensitive user data, including location and contact lists, which could be moved without a detectable audit trail.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny: Separately, U.K. communications regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into whether Meta provided "accurate and complete information" in response to legal requests about WhatsApp Business's role in the messaging market.

The Encryption Backdoor Debate: This legal challenge also unfolds against a global backdrop of governmental pressure on encryption. Notably, WhatsApp recently attempted to intervene in a U.K. case where the government issued a secret order demanding Apple create a "backdoor" to access encrypted iCloud data. The court refused WhatsApp's intervention. WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart has argued such state-ordered backdoors “undermine the security of people using encrypted communication” and set a dangerous precedent.

What True End-to-End Encryption Means

At the heart of this dispute is the technical definition of end-to-end encryption (E2EE). True E2EE means messages are encrypted on the sender's device and decrypted only on the recipient's device. The service provider that relays the message should hold only the encrypted data, lacking the "key" to decipher it. WhatsApp's in-app notifications reinforce this, stating “only people in this chat can read, listen to, or share” messages, with the feature enabled by default.

Allegations vs. Defense: A Quick Overview

| Aspect | Plaintiffs' Allegations | Meta's Defense |

| Message Access | Meta can access & store the content of private chats. | Messages are end-to-end encrypted; Meta cannot read them. |

| Employee Access | Company workers can get access to user communications. | Encryption protocol prevents company access. |

| Legal Characterization | Accuses Meta of defrauding billions of users. | Calls the lawsuit a “frivolous work of fiction”. |

| Basis | Cites whistleblower accounts. | Points to decade-long use of Signal encryption protocol. |

The Road Ahead for 3 Billion Users

The plaintiffs' lawyers have asked the court to certify the case as a class-action lawsuit. If certified, the case could potentially represent a vast number of WhatsApp's over 3 billion monthly active users worldwide. This lawsuit strikes at the core of the trust relationship between a tech giant and its global user base. As digital privacy becomes a paramount concern for consumers and regulators alike, the outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for how end-to-end encryption is marketed, implemented, and legally defended in the years to come. The court's decisions in the coming months will determine whether this case becomes a minor footnote or a major precedent in the ongoing battle for digital privacy.