Reasons why your WhatsApp API may be blocked

Common reasons for WhatsApp API blocking

• Sending unauthorized messages or spam.
• Use of unauthorized tools and applications.
• High number of user reports.
• Violation of content policies.
• Exceeding message limits.
• Automations without proper configuration.

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Sending unauthorized messages and spam

One of the most common reasons WhatsApp API accounts get blocked is sending unauthorized messages or spam. Spam is defined as unsolicited, repetitive, or irrelevant messages sent to users without their explicit consent. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, uses advanced algorithms to detect and flag accounts that engage in these activities.

• Detection mechanisms: WhatsApp uses machine-learning algorithms to monitor messaging patterns. Accounts that send hundreds of messages in seconds or to users who have not saved their number are considered suspicious.
• Impact: Companies that send spam risk losing their accounts permanently, which disrupts communication channels and damages their reputation.

Sending unauthorized messages not only affects the WhatsApp account, but it can also have repercussions on brand perception. Users who receive unwanted messages may feel frustrated and choose not to interact with the company in the future.

Suspicious account detection algorithms

WhatsApp has implemented sophisticated detection algorithms to identify accounts that exhibit suspicious behavior. These algorithms analyze various factors, such as message frequency, the number of interactions, and the nature of the content sent.

• Behavior patterns: Accounts that send a high number of messages in a short period are automatically classified as potentially dangerous. This includes sending messages to contacts that have not previously interacted with the account.
• Consequences: Accounts flagged by these algorithms may face temporary restrictions or permanent blocks, severely affecting the company’s ability to communicate with its customers.

In addition, companies should be aware that using multiple accounts to send messages from different devices can also trigger these alerts, leading to increased scrutiny by WhatsApp.

Use of unauthorized tools and applications

Meta strictly prohibits

and the use of unofficial versions of WhatsApp, such as WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp, as well as third-party tools that are not certified. These applications often lack data security measures and violate the platform’s terms of service.

• Examples of violations:
• Sending messages from multiple devices using unauthorized software.
• Automating responses with bots that do not comply with WhatsApp policies.
• Consequence: Accounts that use these tools are often suspended or permanently blocked.

Using unauthorized tools not only puts the WhatsApp account at risk, but it can also compromise the security of users’ data, which could result in legal issues for the company.

Impact of user reports

User reports are a significant factor that can lead to account blocking. If multiple users mark a business account as spam or report it for intrusive behavior, WhatsApp assumes the content is unwanted.

• Reasons for reports:
• Sending irrelevant or repetitive promotional messages.
• Lack of explicit user consent before initiating conversations.
• Statistics: According to Salesforce, 90% of users value their experience as much as the product itself, and intrusive messages can break this trust.

The accumulation of reports can lead to a more thorough review of the account, which may result in additional restrictions or account suspension.

Explicit user consent

Obtaining explicit user consent is essential for the effective use of the WhatsApp API. Companies must implement opt-in mechanisms that ensure users agree to receive messages.

• Opt-in mechanisms: This can be achieved through sign-up forms, lead generation ads, or prior interactions. Without clear consent, companies risk being perceived as intrusive.
• Importance: Consent is not only a best practice, but it is also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, which means companies must be proactive in implementing it.

Lack of consent can result in high rates of user reports, which in turn can lead to account blocks.

Violations of content policies

Meta strictly enforces content guidelines to ensure that WhatsApp remains a platform ssecure and user-friendly. Violations include sending offensive, fraudulent, or misleading content.

• Prohibited content:
• Messages that promote illegal or controversial products, such as weapons, tobacco, or gambling.
• Fraudulent schemes or misleading advertisements.
• Policy enforcement: Accounts found to be in violation of these policies are suspended or blocked immediately.

Businesses must be aware of WhatsApp’s content policies and ensure that all messages sent comply with these guidelines to avoid penalties.

Limits on message sending

WhatsApp Business API accounts have specific limits on the number of messages that can be sent daily. Exceeding these limits, especially on free or unofficial accounts, can trigger alerts and potential blocks.

• Example: Free accounts often have scalability limitations, and businesses that try to send large volumes of messages may face restrictions.

It is crucial for businesses to plan their messaging campaigns according to these limits to avoid interruptions in communication.

Inadequate automation configuration

Automation tools, such as chatbots, must be configured correctly to avoid account suspensions. For example, bots that provide irrelevant or incoherent responses can frustrate users and lead to reports.

• Consequences of poor configuration: Automations that are not aligned with users’ expectations can result in a negative experience, increasing the likelihood that users will report the account.
• Best practices: Businesses must ensure that their automation tools are well configured and capable of handling interactions effectively.

Staff training and constant monitoring of automated interactions are essential to maintain the integrity of the account.

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Conclusions and Final Recommendations

Importance of Compliance with WhatsApp Policies

Compliance with WhatsApp’s policies is crucial to keep an account active and functional. Businesses must be aware of the guidelines and ensure that all messaging practices are compliant.

Strategies to Maintain Account Integrity

Implement strategies such as obtaining consenplicit consent from users, using only authorized tools, and monitoring campaign performance can help prevent account blocks.

The Future of WhatsApp Use in Business

As WhatsApp continues to evolve, companies must adapt to changes in policies and user expectations to remain competitive and effective in their communication.

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Main reasons why your company’s WhatsApp API can be blocked

Sending unauthorized messages or spam

Sending unsolicited messages is one of the main causes of blocking.

Use of unauthorized tools and applications

Using unofficial software can result in account suspension.

High number of user reports

Frequent user reports can lead to disciplinary actions.

Violation of content policies

Inappropriate content can result in immediate blocks.

Exceeding message limits

Exceeding the established limits can trigger blocks.

Automations without proper configuration

Poorly configured automations can frustrate users and lead to reports.

Maintaining compliance with WhatsApp policies is essential for any company looking to optimize its communication with customers. In this regard, Suricata Cx positions itself as a strategic ally, offering an omnichannel customer experience platform that not only automates interactions, but also ensures that every message sent is relevant and well received. By integrating artificial intelligence with human workflows, Suricata helps companies avoid blocks and build strong, long-lasting relationships with their users.