WhatsApp AI Glitch Causes Widespread Account Blocks in Israel and Globally
In recent weeks, a surge of unexpected and repeated WhatsApp account blocks has disrupted users in Israel and worldwide. Many users encounter a 24-hour "account under review" warning without clear explanation or prior notice, with some facing permanent bans. This issue severely impacts freelancers, journalists, and business owners who rely on WhatsApp as a primary communication tool.
One Israeli communications consultant reported being blocked five times within six weeks despite adhering to WhatsApp’s terms of use, never sending spam or bulk messages. She described the experience as frustrating and helpless, especially due to the lack of human support and the loss of chat history after reinstalling the app. Similarly, media professional Eyal Tiran faced multiple blocks culminating in a permanent ban, losing access to hundreds of work-related groups and conversations. Despite legal intervention previously helping restore his account, he now awaits a response from Meta Israel after being told appeals through the app are no longer possible.
Cybersecurity expert Osher Revach attributes the problem to recent Meta AI algorithm updates that mistakenly classify normal user activity as spam. The automated system particularly flags users managing multiple groups or using CRM tools and official Meta APIs. Approximately 60% of affected users enter a cycle of repeated blocks, while 10-15% face permanent bans. The AI’s flawed spam detection triggers automatic defenses that harm innocent users.
For permanently banned accounts, users can contact Meta’s legal department via WhatsApp’s help center, but after 30 days, group memberships are lost, and after 60 days, the number can be re-registered without prior chat history. Experts warn against paying third parties or hackers to restore accounts, as these methods are unreliable and costly. For temporary blocks, users should submit an in-app review request and follow strict usage guidelines for 4-7 days, such as avoiding links, PDFs, new contacts, group changes, and automation tools.
The Israeli Internet Association has received dozens of complaints and urges the government to demand transparency and immediate support from Meta, highlighting the critical reliance on WhatsApp by 99% of Israel’s adult population. The lack of human oversight is linked to Meta’s recent AI-driven layoffs, which also face legal challenges for unfair dismissals. Meta responded that it continuously works to prevent abuse and corrects mistakes quickly to restore user access.
