GB WhatsApp is extremely popular as it offers a lot of privacy features than the official WhatsApp, but again calling this more private would be debatable. GB WhatsApp is a modified version of the original app, and one main ingredient that made it appealing to use hide features like last seen, blue ticks etc. These are preferred by less visible users who want a greater degree of control over their visibility. 45 percent of GB WhatsApp users say they decided to use the unofficial app because it came with extra privacy settings, according to a user poll.
GB WhatsApp also allows users to lock some chats with a password which is indeed an essential feature for many of the individuals who need more security over their private conversations provided by any other third party tools in case if you are using it on original app. And this feature can be especially tempting for those who value privacy during some conversations. WhatsRemoved lets you explore deleted messages after the fact, a feature that both preserves privacy and crosses it depending on your point of view.
But, these privacy-enhancing features are not without their hefty trade-offs. The official WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption that Meta has verified, but GB WhatsApp does not make any claims about its encryption. It also raises concern that in her note, the government did not explain how (or whether) they're using encryption. Then, in 2022 cybersecurity analysts discovered that there are data leak vulnerabilities affecting 27% of modded versions of WhatsApp like GBWhatsApp. And features designed to improve privacy might actually make discussions more vulnerable if encryption tricks are not implemented responsibly.
Additionally, Meta heavily cautions against people utilizing GB WhatsApp for their own safety following these security concerns and citing incidents where accounts were permanently banned because they used unauthorized versions. Meta banned more than 2 million accounts worldwide that were using third party applications, last year for accessing unofficial versions of WhatsApp and it affected users who may not have been aware how to download them securely. It is easy to see how losing official WhatsApp through a ban would be pretty tough, especially for those who depend on the app in their line of trade or urgent matters.
Cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt and others argue that privacy is not all about obscuring certain elements – it's a question of confidence based on the broader security record from any given platform. Software needs to be transparent and auditable in order for privacy truly to exist, says Hunt -- "A key argument of engineer turned security researcher Troy Hunt", referencing the relative necessity users avail themselves only official apps which have been thoroughly vetted.
If confused about gb whatsapp providing real privacy, it depends on how a user prefers customization over security vulnerabilities. Although the app allows for far greater control over appearances, dealing with risks of data breaches and account bans remains ever present. With these variables in mind, users should consider carefully whether the improved new features are worth abandoning verified encryption and good security over time.