Meta warns WhatsApp users about unofficial apps and how to detect being blocked
Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, has reminded users that only the official WhatsApp application should be used. Unofficial or modified versions, such as WhatsApp Plus, are not authorized, lack end‑to‑end encryption and can expose personal data. Meta states that using such apps violates its terms of service and can result in temporary or permanent suspension of the account.
WhatsApp does not send a notification when a contact blocks you. Users can look for several indicators that may suggest a block: a single check‑mark on sent messages that does not change, the disappearance of a profile picture or last‑seen timestamp, the inability to view status updates, and failure to add the contact to a new group. These signs are not conclusive on their own, as they can also occur due to connectivity issues or privacy settings.
Meta advises downloading WhatsApp only from official app stores, noting that many previously unavailable features have now been incorporated into the official app and are also offered through subscription plans.
Entities: Colombia · Meta Platforms Inc. · WhatsApp · WhatsApp Plus
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A blocked contact cannot view the blocker’s status updates. (article 1)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Missing profile picture or last‑seen timestamp may be a signal that a contact has blocked you. (article 1)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Using unofficial or modified WhatsApp versions such as WhatsApp Plus can result in temporary or permanent account suspension. (articles 2 and 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] WhatsApp does not notify users when they are blocked. (article 1)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Attempting to add a blocked contact to a new group fails. (article 1)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Meta advises users to only use the official WhatsApp application. (articles 2 and 3)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Unofficial WhatsApp apps may lack end‑to‑end encryption and expose user data. (articles 2 and 3)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A single check‑mark on a sent message can indicate a possible block but may also be caused by the recipient lacking internet connectivity. (article 1)