WhatsApp to Temporarily Ban Users on Unofficial Apps, Puts up FAQs
WhatsApp is cracking down on unofficial apps, which reportedly provide users access to its main messaging service.
advertisement
People using the unofficial versions of WhatsApp, such as GB WhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus, will be temporarily banned from using the service, WABetaInfo reported on 7 March. The decision to remove modified WhatsApp versions comes after the service said it cannot validate security on these applications.
In a Twitter thread, WABetaInfo said that the app is cracking down on third-party, unofficial apps, which reportedly provide access to WhatsApp's main messaging service.
The WABetaInfo report also listed steps and FAQs for users of these third party apps to switch to WhatsApp.
"We are continuing to step up our enforcement against imposter WhatsApp services to help curb abuse and keep WhatsApp users safe,” a spokesperson told The Indian Express.
The spokesperson added the company recommends that people download WhatsApp from official app stores or from their website to avoid the temporary ban.
WhatsApp Updates FAQ to Aid Migration of Third-Party Users
Following the development, many users have expressed concerns over the temporary ban. WhatsApp recently updated its FAQ to guide third-party app users to migrate to its main platform.
According to the updated guidelines, the company has suggested that users keep a back-up of their chat history as it "doesn't support these unofficial apps."
It further recommended “uninstalling” the unofficial apps and downloading the original WhatsApp app from either the online store or its website.
(With inputs from The Indian Express and WABetaInfo.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)