Introduction:
In the realm of messaging apps, WhatsApp Plus has emerged as a mod, a modified version of the original WhatsApp. It was developed to address functionalities that were absent in WhatsApp until 2015. This tool gained popularity among users as it was perceived as an alternative communication platform that offered “more benefits.” However, this perception comes with nuances, and the app has raised concerns about privacy and security.
Disclaimer: WhatsApp Plus is not authorized by WhatsApp and is not an official application. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has denounced its use and actively blocks accounts associated with it.
What is WhatsApp Plus and What Does it Serve?
WhatsApp Plus is essentially a modified version (mod) of the original app. It gained traction among users seeking additional features, customization, and multimedia usage. Developed by independent developers based on the original code, it claims to offer enhanced privacy and personalization.
Note: Terms like “more benefits” and “privacy” are used cautiously, as we will later delve into why WhatsApp Plus purportedly provides confidentiality.
It’s crucial to clarify that WhatsApp Plus is not endorsed by WhatsApp, and Meta, the parent company, actively discourages its use, going as far as blocking accounts associated with it.
Functionality of WhatsApp Plus:
WhatsApp Plus, represented by a blue icon on your phone, serves several purposes. It allows users to hide their last seen status without compromising their ability to view the last seen status of their contacts. Users can also conceal when they are typing or recording a message and retrieve deleted messages in conversations.
Considering these capabilities, WhatsApp Plus becomes appealing when users desire a level of discretion and flexibility in their messaging app experience.
However, returning to the terms “more benefits” and “privacy” mentioned earlier, this modded app operates in a vast, unregulated space. While it offers ways to minimize limitations and enhance user comfort, it comes with a significant security risk.
Is WhatsApp Plus Trustworthy? Understanding its Operation:
Since WhatsApp Plus is not the official version endorsed by WhatsApp Inc., a product of Meta Inc. (formerly known as Facebook), it’s essential to explore the parameters under which it was constructed.
For insights into the creation and associated risks, we reached out to Aldair Bueno, CEO of the Ibero-American Institute of Digital Law and Cybersecurity (IBDC). The IBDC comprises legal experts and cybersecurity professionals dedicated to transforming analog law into digital environments, starting from cyberculture.
In our conversation, Aldair Bueno addressed the need for creating WhatsApp Plus and the risks involved in modifying code that is not proprietary. Here are excerpts from the discussion:
Creators: There are two popular (but not entirely secure) sources for downloading WhatsApp Plus:
- Heymods:
- AlexMods:
Interface: AlexMods provides quick access to dark mode and the ability to activate airplane mode to prevent active messages. Notifications can reveal who is online, and users can categorize groups through an additional tab. The app also allows users to add a security key in the form of a number, pattern, or fingerprint for login.
Heymods, on the other hand, maintains the three sections of the original version (chats, statuses, and calls) but offers customization options for backgrounds, tones, and fonts.
Status: Heymods allows users to use more than 250 characters in their stories, enabling them to share longer content. While both versions support sharing long-duration videos, AlexMods provides the option to split videos using a scissors icon. Users can also share liked statuses or download them.
Messages: One noteworthy feature of AlexMods is the ability to create automatic messages and schedule them. Users can alter the voice of audio notes with various tones and keep their session active on the web version.
In Heymods, users can share multimedia files with more than 10 images simultaneously and attach large audio files. The app also supports video calls with up to 8 participants.
Downloading WhatsApp Plus: Neither of the mentioned mods is officially available on app stores such as Play Store, App Gallery, or App Store. Attempting to search for them may lead to warnings, as exemplified by the notice from App Store in the search results.
In light of this, it is strongly recommended not to download or use WhatsApp Plus. There is no official or transparent action that guarantees the app’s consumption will not compromise the security of your device or information.
Differences Between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus: Following the previous point, it might be tempting to overlook the fact that no service for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android devices provides options to find and download this modified code, ensuring the security of the application. However, the opinion of IBDC, through its CEO Aldair Bueno, an expert in Criminal Law, Organized Crime, Corruption, Terrorism, Human Rights, and Digital Law, should guide you in making an informed decision.
Terms and Conditions of Use:
- Privacy of shared information when using the app.
- Security of access by enabling contact book verification.
It is advisable to focus on leveraging the benefits for your business and digital assets by exploring the avenues of conversational marketing offered by WhatsApp Business. You can find comprehensive details in our blog.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using WhatsApp Plus:
Advantages: After an in-depth investigation into this app, it can be asserted that the only advantage is not installing it. Despite offering flexibility and customization, the imminent risk overshadows any potential benefits.
In my opinion, an application cannot provide security if attempting to check its communication channels on social media yields results like the following:
Disadvantages: This question formed the crux of the discussion with Aldair Bueno, CEO of the IBDC. Let’s review the main disadvantages highlighted: