Lockdown by WhatsApp for third party app users
Services of the instant messaging app WhatsApp were banned for users who also has third party services such as WhatsApp + or WhatsAppMD on their Android devices. Initially the ban was planted for only 24 hours but some users claimed that it was extended further. WhatsApp does not support the services of third party app such as WhatsApp + as it is a violation of its Terms of Services.
Through a statement on its blog, WhatsApp has taken responsibility for the ban and said,”WhatsApp Plus is an application that was not developed by WhatsApp, nor is it authorised by WhatsApp. The developers of WhatsApp Plus have no relationship to WhatsApp, and we do not support WhatsApp Plus. Please be aware that WhatsApp Plus contains source code which WhatsApp cannot guarantee as safe and that your private information is potentially being passed to third parties without your knowledge or authorisation.”
WhatsApp urged its users to uninstall the third party apps such as WhatsApp +and WhatsAppMD, and use only the official version of the chatting service WhatsApp. “Please uninstall your application and install the authorised version of WhatsApp from our website or Google Play. Then, you will be able to use WhatsApp,” the post added.
Later, the founder of WhatsApp+, Dr. Mounib Al Rifai announced on Google Plus that it has been asked to shut down its services, “Due to the circumstances that arose and the fact that WhatsApp Inc issued a cease and desist letter to WhatsApp+ developer Rafalense. the official WhatsApp+ community is shutting down for good and will be removed by the end of the day as for the development of the app itself Rafalense had this to say,” he said.
