WhatsApp can block a user’s account if they violate the Terms of Service, such as using fake apps. Here’s what it’s all about
“Your phone number is suspended from using WhatsApp. If this message appeared on your screen when you accessed your WhatsApp profile, it means that you have violated the Terms of Service and it is very unlikely that you will be able to re-use the account linked to your phone number. You are not the only one: in recent years WhatsApp has blocked many profiles, especially of users who use modified versions of the messaging app.
What are we talking about? Of the many apps available for Android that have a similar name to WhatsApp (WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp) and that promise exclusive features. For example, to edit a message sent even after the recipient has read it, or to use the same profile on different smartphones (a feature that developers are developing, but at the moment is not yet available). All premium features that especially tempt younger people, but that WhatsApp strongly prohibits, as written in the application’s Terms of Service. And for those who violate them, the only punishment allowed is the permanent block and the inability to use the application.
WhatsApp deletes user profiles: here’s the explanation
When you install the application of Whatsapp, you sign a “contract” to use the app and you accept the “Terms of Service”. Terms of Service that provide for very precise rules to be respected: if WhatsApp realizes that a user has gone too far, the profile is immediately blocked. Blocking that very often equals account deletion: the staff of the app hardly ever goes back on their steps, especially if they have all the evidence of non-compliance with the Terms of Service.
One of the main reasons why a WhatsApp account is blocked is precisely the installation of fake apps that promise exclusive features, but in reality are very dangerous. This is what WhatsApp says on its Reddit profile: don’t use a modded version of the app, it can lead to a temporary or permanent ban.
Are WhatsApp fake apps really dangerous?
The answer is yes. There are no alternative apps to WhatsApp that even offer extra features. This is why the messaging app has decided to declare war on all these clones and in case a user is “caught red-handed”, an immediate and permanent ban is triggered.
The WhatsApp fake apps especially tempt people who are unfamiliar with IT and are convinced by online advertisements. The extra features offered by these apps can also be very useful (such as the ability to use the same profile on many smartphones), but it all comes at a cost. Which is? The security of our personal data.
In fact, using these apps to send messages, you no longer have the protection of end-to-end encryption and the messages pass through servers that are not managed by WhatsApp. And this allows any hacker to easily get information about your account.
What to do if WhatsApp blocks your account
In case WhatsApp has blocked your profile, the only thing you can do is to contact customer support and explain your situation. In case of an error, you will get back access to your profile, otherwise you will just have to change your SIM card number.