WhatsApp bans user accounts that use a pirated version of the official app.
Known as WhatsApp GB, it connects to an official account and offers some additional functions, such as: scheduling messages, the ability to hide online status, and linking more than one phone number to the same profile.
Unhappy with this action, many people used Twitter to complain and made the topic one of the most talked about on the social network.
“I am very unhappy that I should stop using GB Whatsapp. How will I see my deleted statuses? Leave the Internet frozen?”, one netizen commented. “Your number has been deleted from WhatsApp. Sad news. meAnother said that your friend has GB WhatsApp and has been blocked and can no longer ‘register’ the number.
The pirated app is made available for Android phones and can only be downloaded outside the official Google Play Store.
In a note to InfomoneyWhatsApp stated that “there is no other version of WhatsApp other than the official version (WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business).”
She also said that the incompatible apps are modified versions of WhatsApp. “They are developed by a third party and are in violation of our Terms of Service. WhatsApp does not support these apps because we cannot validate the security measures they implement.”
Data security risks have also become a topic on Twitter. One user commented, “You basically hand all your WhatsApp data over to developers just to get some benefits.”
The official versions of WhatsApp are available on the Google and Apple app stores and allow you to use the application online.
What to do if your account is banned?
According to a WhatsApp report, if you receive a “Temporarily Banned” notification on WhatsApp, it is possible that you are using an unsupported version of the app instead of the official one, or there is a suspicion that you are collecting user data from the way that is not allowed (extraction).
The company warns that “if you do not switch to the official version of the app after being temporarily banned, your account may be permanently banned from WhatsApp.”
Extraction is the process of collecting data, on a small or large scale, using a manual or automated tool, for any prohibited purpose.
“The practices of collecting user data, including phone number, profile picture and WhatsApp message, constitute a violation of the terms of WhatsApp,” the company said.
How do I get back to the official account?
According to the company, you may need to backup your chat history before switching to the official WhatsApp app, and depending on the unofficial app used, you may need to move the history manually.
To find the name of the app, tap More options > Settings > help > order data. Follow the steps corresponding to the application name (WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp).
On Android, if you are using an app like WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp, it is recommended to save your chat history before downloading the official WhatsApp app.
If the chat history is previously saved, it will be automatically transferred to the official WhatsApp app
Practices to avoid
The company points out some practices that can lead to a WhatsApp account being banned. a look:
- Spam: If a contact asks you to stop sending messages, remove that person from your contact list and avoid contacting them again.
- bot or bulk messages: do not send bulk and bot messages, or make automated calls using WhatsApp;
- Third party contact lists: do not share phone numbers without permission or use data obtained from illegal sources to message users on WhatsApp or to add them to groups;
- Excessive use of broadcast lists: Messages sent from a broadcast list will only be received by users who have added your phone number to their contact list. Accounts that are reported multiple times are blocked;
- Collection of Personal Data: Do not use WhatsApp to obtain personal data on a large scale for any prohibited purpose, either manually or automatically. Such user data collection practices, including phone number, profile picture, and WhatsApp message, constitute a violation of use;
- Violating our Terms of Service: The Terms of Service prohibit, among other things, posting slanderous messages, threats to users and any racial or ethnic behavior that is hateful.
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Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.