WhatsApp has issued a warning to users who download clone apps, threatening to permanently block them if continuous usage persists, Thecitypulsenews learnt.
The company made this warning as a clone app named GB WhatsApp is gaining a rapid audience, The Mirror reported on Monday.
Though the clone app exhibits extra features that are not found on the main app, the facebook-owned company has warned users against patronising such an app.
The company warned that if users fail to switch to their official App account, they may be suspended or blocked from using the app.
“If you received an in-app message stating your account is ‘Temporarily banned’ this means that you’re likely using an unsupported version of the App instead of the official app,” the company said in a recent update.
“If you don’t switch to the official app after being temporarily banned, your account might be permanently banned from using the App,” it added.
Asides from the threat to permanent blocking, the conpany also warned that such clone apps also violate security practices.
“Unsupported apps, such as WhatsApp Plus, GB WhatsApp, or apps that claim to move your WhatsApp chats between phones, are altered versions of the app.
“These unofficial apps are developed by third parties and violate our Terms of Service. The main App doesn’t support these third-party apps because we can’t validate their security practices,” revealed the update.
