MCMC probing complaints on WhatsApp accounts being hacked and blocked

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently investigating complaints related to WhatsApp accounts that have reportedly been hacked, blocked, or made inaccessible. The commission has taken immediate steps to probe the complaints, referring relevant cases to Meta for clarification and appropriate action.

In a statement, the MCMC clarified that account compromise and account blocking are two distinct issues. Compromised accounts can be taken over by irresponsible individuals and subsequently misused for scams, spam, or activities that violate WhatsApp's terms of service. This may eventually lead to the platform blocking the accounts.

The MCMC advised affected users to utilize WhatsApp's official channels to recover or appeal their accounts. Users were also cautioned against sharing verification codes or security PINs, enabling WhatsApp's Two-Step Verification feature, and avoiding suspicious links or applications. The commission urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with parties offering account recovery services, as they often require money, personal information, or verification codes in return.

If the issues persist despite efforts through WhatsApp's official channels, users can file a complaint with the MCMC for further action and referral of the case to Meta. The MCMC has stated that it will continue monitoring the matter and engage with the platform to protect users' interests.