Now another problem seems to be arising regarding WhatsApp. Due to internet shutdown in Kashmir, many users here are automatically getting out of WhatsApp groups. At the same time, WhatsApp accounts of many people are getting deleted. Kashmiri users have also shared screenshots regarding this. Users are constantly tweeting about this problem and expressing their anger. While all this is happening due to the policy of WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp policy: According to WhatsApp policy, if any user’s account remains inactive for 120 days, then the user’s account is automatically closed. Let me tell you that internet shutdown was done in Jammu and Kashmir 4 months ago. Since then, the accounts of the users here were in closed condition. In such a situation, accounts were closed for 120 days without continuous access to the account.
A WhatsApp spokesperson says that if no activity is done on a WhatsApp account for 120 days, then the WhatsApp account expires automatically. This has been done to maintain ASA security and limit data retention. In this case, users also exit the WhatsApp group. The company has also clarified that this policy is not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for all users.
Sharing screenshots on Twitter:
Twitter user and researcher Khalid Shah has tweeted that WhatsApp accounts of users are being deleted in Kashmir for connectivity for 4 months. View tweet:
4 months of inactivity, WhatsApp accounts from Kashmir are getting deleted. Weird to see individuals you haven't spoken for all these months 'leave' WA groups whereas in reality an important part of their digital imprint – images, videos, texts & memories attached – vanishing.
— Khalid Shah (@khalidbshah) December 4, 2019
