Meta has undertaken its largest cybersecurity enforcement action on WhatsApp, removing 6.8m accounts linked to scam operations in the first half of 2025. The crackdown specifically targets criminal networks leveraging AI for fraud schemes.
The company partners with OpenAI to combat criminal organisations that use AI-generated messages to initiate contact with potential victims.
The investigation uncovers that many of the deleted accounts were connected to organised crime centres in Southeast Asia, operating under conditions described by authorities as modern slavery.
Advanced Detection Systems Combat Cyber Threats
WhatsApp implements machine learning technologies to identify suspicious behaviour patterns before criminals can operationalise accounts. The platform now includes enhanced security features, such as warning users when unknown contacts attempt to add them to group chats – a common tactic used by cybercriminals to expand their reach.
