Logos of official WhatsApp, GB WhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus respectively.
Over the time, most, android users have increased their appetite for modified applications such as GB WhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus among others. The use of this unofficial WhatsApp has continued to grow in numbers prompting Facebook-owned, WhatsApp to raise a red flag.
For instance, GB WhatsApp has variety of advanced features that are not found in the official app. Among many others is the ability to run 2 WhatsApp in the same phone, easily download WhatsApp status, status limit increase, increase message forward limit, hide your online status and Anti-revoke setting.
Well if you are a among the thousands of users who are still using any unofficial WhatsApp this is probably the right time to migrate to the official app or risk being kicked out in one of the most powerful social network.
WhatsApp through a statement sent to Indian Express, confirmed that the company was in the process of weeding out users relying on an authorized version of its app to access its messaging services.
“WhatsApp cares deeply about the safety of our users. To protect the privacy and security of their account, we strongly recommend users only download WhatsApp from official app stores or from our website. We are continuing to step up our enforcement against imposter WhatsApp services to help curb abuse and keep WhatsApp users safe,”
In a tweet WABetainfo explained that Whatsapp resolved to ban unofficial apps because they can't validate their security practices. They named two of the most used modded WhatsApp apps. I think it's the first time they name "GB WhatsApp" and "WhatsApp Plus" in their website officially. I don't know what's going to happen but I recommend users that use modded apps for Android to switch to the official WA. https://t.co/5xr97hhCF1 — WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 7, 2019 According to its updated FAQ published on its website, WhatsApp adds that users using unofficial WhatsApp might receive an in-app message stating that their account is “Temporarily banned”.
"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. If this is the case, you must download the official app to continue using WhatsApp"
The temporary ban will be expected to last at least 24hours within which banned users will not be able to send or receive WhatsApp messages.
The FAQ page further adds that WhatsApp will not be at liberty to give users a prior warning before temporarily banning them from their platform.
“We may not issue a warning before banning your account. If you think your account was banned by mistake, please email us and we’ll look into your case.” How to switch data from GB WhatsApp to official WhatsApp Before switching to the real WhatsApp, back up your data. For this, go to options > Chats > Back up chats. Now, go to phone settings and click on storage. Then, click on files. Find the folder GB WhatsApp and tap and hold to select it. Rename it to WhatsApp. Now, download WhatsApp from Play Store. Verify your number and on the Backup found screen, tap Restore > Next. WhatsApp will load with your data. If you are using WhatsApp Plus, just backup your chat history, install the official WhatsApp. The official app will automatically pick up the backup.