GB WhatsApp is an interesting alternative to the original app that millions of users around the world prefer, but it does raise some safety issues. Since GB WhatsApp is not an official app, it does not receive endorsement or updates from meta (the parent company of WhatsApp), and so this makes the security concern really important. Due to fewer security protocols, GB WhatsApp can expose the user to risk of data leaks or hacks unlike official apps which go through accessing hostile controls and encryption standards. In 2022, as part of its efforts to protect the platform, WhatsApp banned more than 2 million accounts utilizing modded versions such as GB WhatsApp and this indicates that there may be serious problems.
Privacy continues to be a major concern for many, and GB WhatsApp provides advanced options like hiding last seen status as well as blue ticks areas that keep attracting users looking for better control. Yet, these advantages are not without their costs. As cybersecurity expert Zack Whittaker highlights, “Mercenary apps not verified poses privacy issues — or worse: it could convert a user into prey if the app has neither protections or no one we know what to expect from.” In addition to this, GB WhatsApp might ask users to disable Play Protect—a security feature on Android phones—putting them at higher risk of malware or spyware.
While WhatsApp permits file sharing of only 16 MB, technical specifications show that GB WhatsApp permits larger document limits, around the size of 50 MB, and could be attractive to users looking for multimedia. But the modified app lacks end-to-end encryption, a critical security feature for communication apps that makes sent files and messages readable only by the intended recipient(s). According to some reports from 2023, Almost 30% of real malware incidents on Android were attributed to unauthorized apps Hence, the danger of using unofficial ones.
But the features like dual account usage, interface customization take some users to a level where they start liking it more than there after losing control and risks linger over the benefits of use. Those who value security also prefer official apps which have full support and options for two-step verification that GB WhatsApp does not provide. As a matter of fact, Forbes stated that third-party apps similar to GB WhatsApp usually over-collect user information and do not have obvious policies about it; thus, it is also difficult to identify how the data will be used or stored.
However, for those looking to have more features without function or going secure there are some alternatives. Nevertheless, yet despite the increasing popularity of gb whatsapp, it remains critical to weigh these advantages with your required drawbacks.