If you've encountered the "368: Temporarily Blocked for Policy Violations" error on your WhatsApp Business Account, it means your account has violated WhatsApp's platform policies. This blog explains what causes this error and steps you can take to resolve and prevent it.
What Does This Error Mean?
This error indicates your WhatsApp Business Account has been restricted or disabled for violating policies such as the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy, the WhatsApp Commerce Policy, or the WhatsApp Business Terms of Service.
Common violations include:
Sending spam or unsolicited messages.
Sharing restricted or prohibited content (e.g., adult content, drugs, gambling).
Receiving excessive negative feedback from users.
Types of Restrictions
Depending on the severity and frequency of violations, your account may face:
Temporary Messaging Restrictions: 1 to 30-day blocks on initiating conversations.
Account Lock: Indefinite block, requiring an appeal to unlock.
- Permanent Disablement: For severe violations, such as scams or illegal activities.
How to Fix This Error
1. Check Violation Details to Get Exact Details of the Violation
Log into Meta Business Suite or Business Manager.
Navigate to All Tools > Business Support Home > Account Overview (the speedometer icon) to view specific violations.
2. Appeal the Violation
If you believe your account complies with WhatsApp policies, you can request a review:
Go to Business Support Home page.
Select the violation and click Request Review.
Provide supporting details in the dialog box and click Submit.
When a business submits an appeal for a violation, the WhatsApp team evaluates it against their policies to determine whether the violation should be reconsidered. This process may lead to the violation being overturned. The appeal process usually takes 24-48 hours, and you'll receive the decision in your Business Manager.
3. Wait Out the Restriction Period
If the violation is not appealable, you'll need to wait for the restriction period to end before resuming messaging.
How to Prevent Future Violations
Familiarize yourself with the WhatsApp Commerce Policy and Business Messaging Policy.
Send targeted, consented messages. Avoid bulk messaging without user approval.
Address negative feedback quickly to prevent account restrictions.
Subscribe to the account_update webhook to get real-time notifications about policy violations to take immediate action.
Craft high-quality messages that align with WhatsApp's standards.
For more insights on making the most of WhatsApp Business API, check out our blogs at heltar.com/blogs.
