WhatsApp: Anyone who does not follow these rules will be blocked

Even if your messages on WhatsApp have a private character, there are definitely prohibited contents and practices. Pay attention to the terms of use - otherwise your account can be deactivated or blocked.

WhatsApp: terms of use

By registering on WhatsApp, you agree to the Terms of Use - and you should follow these rules as well. These are the main points of the conditions:

• Anyone living in the European Union must be at least 16 years old to use WhatsApp due to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). When registering, you must confirm that you are at least 16 years old. For children under 16, a legal guardian must agree to the terms of use.
• Pay attention to the netiquette. Illegal, obscene, offensive, threatening, intimidating, harassing, hateful, racist or ethnically offensive content is not allowed.
• Content that calls for illegal or otherwise inappropriate behavior is also prohibited. This also includes the glorification of violent crimes.
• WhatsApp fights against fake news: you must not spread falsehoods, misrepresentations or misleading statements.
• WhatsApp does not require a real name, but you cannot impersonate yourself as another person.
• The sending of spam or mass messages as well as the use of "auto messaging" or "auto dialing" (for automated sending or calling at a certain time) are prohibited.
• You can only use Messenger privately. If you want to use the app for commercial purposes, this must be approved by the provider.
• You must not harm other users. This includes that you do not send or save viruses or other harmful computer code. It is also prohibited to collect information from and about other users in any illegal or unauthorized manner.
• You shouldn't harm WhatsApp either. This means, for example, actions such as changing the code, selling WhatsApp services or disrupting messenger performance.
• It is forbidden to use WhatsApp in a country where the app is blocked. Also, you may not use a VPN or other methods to disguise your location.
• Your account can also be deactivated or blocked due to copyright infringement, trademark infringement or the spread of other intellectual property owned by third parties.

Tips for responsible use of the app

WhatsApp has published a list of information for responsible use in addition to the terms of use. You should also follow these tips so that your account is not deactivated or even blocked.

• You should only use the app for single and small group chats. Do not send mass messages or automated messages.
• Only contact people who want to be contacted. First ask the person if you can contact them on WhatsApp.
• Never share phone numbers without people's consent. In addition, do not use contact details that come from illegal sources - for example, it is forbidden to buy phone number lists to send mass messages.
• As an administrator of group chats, you should use the functions available to you to reduce unwanted messages if necessary.
• Pay attention to what content you forward - incorrect information is particularly problematic.
• You should only make moderate use of broadcast lists. If you send a lot of broadcast messages and users report your messages multiple times, your account will be blocked.

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