PTA Request Leads to Blocking of 176,000 WhatsApp Accounts

*Accounts linked to recycled mobile numbers were being used for cyber fraud; mechanism agreed with Meta for further action*

Islamabad (3D Media): Meta has blocked 176,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to recycled mobile numbers in Pakistan following a request from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

According to officials, WhatsApp accounts associated with inactive or cancelled mobile numbers were being exploited for cyber fraud, online scams and other fraudulent activities. The PTA approached Meta to address the issue and prevent the misuse of such accounts.

Pakistan’s telecom operators reportedly hold around 16 million recycled mobile numbers. The PTA had shared details of 10 million of these numbers with Meta to help identify active WhatsApp accounts linked to them and take appropriate action.

The PTA and Meta have also agreed on a mechanism for further action against such accounts. Under the arrangement, details of 5,000 recycled mobile numbers will be shared with Meta every month, enabling the company to review and block associated WhatsApp accounts in phases.

Officials further stated that Meta addressed 82 per cent of the complaints received during the previous year.

The initiative aims to prevent the misuse of recycled mobile numbers, strengthen digital security and curb cyber fraud and online scams in Pakistan.