Technology
Check your WhatsApp NOW – if you have this version you could be banned
WHATSAPP has warned that it will ban users of a new, unofficial version of its chat app that has gone viral on social media.
“GB WhatsApp”, a third-party Android app, shares many of the characteristics of its namesake but with a number of extra features.
Read all the latest Phones & Gadgets newsKeep up-to-date on Apple storiesGet the latest on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram
EPAYou could be slapped with a WhatsApp ban if you use an unofficial version of the chat app[/caption]
It offers the ability to auto-reply, send more photos and hide read receipts on top of other benefits that are not available on the “real” app.
Built by an anonymous developer, the clone isn’t available on Android’s Google Play Store and must instead be downloaded via a web page.
In a recent update to its website, WhatsApp underlined that third-party WhatsApp copycats are banned under its terms of service.
Those who use them face a permanent ban from WhatsApp unless they switch over to the official version of the app.
GettyUnofficial third-party apps are banned by WhatsApp[/caption]
“If you received an in-app message stating your account is ‘Temporarily banned’ this means that you’re likely using an unsupported version of WhatsApp instead of the official WhatsApp app,” the US firm said.
“If you don’t switch to the official app after being temporarily banned, your account might be permanently banned from using WhatsApp.”
The Facebook-owned chat app said that third-party apps that link with WhatsApp are banned due to security concerns.
“Unsupported apps, such as WhatsApp Plus, GB WhatsApp, or apps that claim to move your WhatsApp chats between phones, are altered versions of WhatsApp,” WhatsApp said.
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…
How to get your deleted Instagram photos back
How can I change my Facebook password?
How can I do a duet on TikTok?
Here’s how to use your iPhone’s Apple logo as a BUTTON
How can I change my Amazon Alexa voice in seconds?
What is dating app Bumble?
How can I increase my Snapchat score?
How can I test my broadband internet speed?
Here’s how to find your Sky TV remote in SECONDS
“These unofficial apps are developed by third parties and violate our Terms of Service.
“WhatsApp doesn’t support these third-party apps because we can’t validate their security practices.”
To switch to the official version of WhatsApp, you might need to backup your chat history first.
You can do that by following the guidelines laid out on the WhatsApp website, here.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, Instagram is making it easier for you to publicly display your pronouns on your profile.
Facebook is facing backlash in the US over plans to create a version of Instagram for children under 13.
And, China is claiming to be a world leader in 6G technology.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk
