Staying connected is crucial, and messaging apps are essential. A popular app has become WhatsApp Plus, a modified version of WhatsApp.
It has extra features like themes, customization, and more privacy settings.
While that might seem like a fun idea, many parents are concerned about WhatsApp Plus safety for their children.
This guide will explain what you need to know about WhatsApp Plus.
We will also look at its features, the possible risks, and how to keep your child safe while using it.
What is WhatsApp Plus?
WhatsApp Plus is an unofficial app that is an improved form of the WhatsApp messaging app. The app provides these bits of functionalities and customization options.
For example, you can change the app’s themes, design, and privacy settings to control who sees your information, etc.
Users of WhatsApp Plus can send larger files, use multiple accounts, and hide their online status.
But since it’s not an official WhatsApp, there may be some security risks (and it likely won’t get similar updates or support).
Use parental control tool for your kids
WhatsApp Plus features
WhatsApp Plus is a modified version of the very popular app WhatsApp. The third-party developers created it, including extra features and customization not found in the official app.
Although it has attracted many users seeking greater control and personalization, you must know its features and associated risks.
One of the biggest draws of WhatsApp Plus is its enhanced privacy settings.
Unlike the official WhatsApp, it allows you to hide your last seen status, blue ticks (read receipts), the second tick, and even typing status.
It also lets users freeze their last scene so that no one will know the time of their last activity. The new privacy options give users more say in which activity on the app should be visible to whom.
You can change the theme, chat bubble colors, and font styles and even customize the chat background of the person you’re chatting with.
The level of personalization at this point is much more tailored and unique than the standard WhatsApp, which makes the app feel more personal and fun to use.
The original WhatsApp didn’t allow users to send files bigger than a specific size, but with WhatsApp Plus, users can send them.
The enhancement by WhatsApp Plus extends the maximum file size for uploading videos, documents, etc., from 16MB by WhatsApp to 50 MB. This gives the user the freedom to share large media files.
Also, the media sent through WhatsApp Plus isn’t compressed as it is compressed in the official WhatsApp, reducing the resolution of media sent in the app.
Is WhatsApp Plus legal?
It’s not illegal to use WhatsApp Plus per se; instead, it breaks WhatsApp’s terms of service.
After all, the company that makes WhatsApp, the official app, has guidelines about using modified versions of its platform.
Since WhatsApp Plus is not the official WhatsApp version and is developed by third-party developers, you might be temporarily or permanently banned from the platform.
How to download WhatsApp Plus apk?
WhatsApp Plus cannot be downloaded from stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.
To download the WhatsApp Plus APK file instead, users must depend on third-party websites or unofficial app stores.
These sources are not verified channels, and the downloaded app may provide a security bypass for your application.
Third-party sites hosting these apps can be vulnerable to malware or malicious software, which can compromise information security.
If using such apps downloaded from untrusted sources, be careful.
Is WhatsApp Plus safe or not?
WhatsApp Plus is not entirely safe for use. It has some additional features and flexibility, but the app has enormous security risks.
Since WhatsApp does not officially back this Plus, it can’t get regular security updates and checks as WhatsApp.
Therefore, it is more vulnerable to potential exploits and hackers.
Another thing is that WhatsApp Plus can only be downloaded from unofficial sources, increasing the chances of running into malware or other unwanted software.
Lack of official support and updates
The lack of official support with updates causes insecurity with WhatsApp Plus.
WhatsApp Plus receives no regular patches or security updates like the official WhatsApp app, which always tries to be on top.
As a result, any vulnerabilities found in the app could potentially go unpatched — and unprotected against cyber threats.
If the app isn’t fixed, the users are at a greater risk of data breaches, privacy violations, or hacking.
Malware and data theft
Downloading WhatsApp Plus from third-party websites is risky as third-party websites are unregulated, so no one knows what is safe and what isn’t, thereby lacking trustworthy sources.
For this reason, the APK file of WhatsApp Plus may come with malware or other malicious software.
This crafty code can invade a device, steal personal information, and even mine your online presence.
It’s especially worrying for children, who may unwittingly be giving away sensitive information such as passwords, contact details, or personal messages that can be exploited.
Increased risk of account bans
Using WhatsApp Plus violates WhatsApp terms.
As WhatsApp doesn’t support modified versions of its app, you may face a temporary or permanent ban for using WhatsApp Plus.
In turn, it could mean any user, adult or otherwise, would lose access to their WhatsApp account and any associated contacts or conversations.
This can be a huge problem for kids whose lines of communication with friends and family are put at risk and can even be cut entirely for educational groups.
Privacy risks for children
The risks of WhatsApp Plus are magnified in children. The app has excellent privacy features like hiding your last seen status, reading receipts, and typing indicators.
These features may be enticing, but like all good things, they can lead to kids hiding their online activity from their parents or guardians.
This makes it more challenging to keep tabs on their interactions and ensure they don’t stumble upon any online dangers, like cyberbullying or inappropriate content.
Should parents keep an eye on the apps their kids download?
Parents should be paying attention to what kids download.
With the increasingly large number of apps out there, some of which can be dangerous or privacy hazards, parents need to know what their kids are using.
The content available on phones, from mobile Internet, music, and videos to games, can be enjoyed anywhere and in its myriad forms but may pose threats to children, like cyberbullying.
Parents should always examine app permissions, be suspicious of unusual activity by the apps, and encourage a dialogue with the children on safe behavior while online.
In addition, it’s good to implement some parental controls, limit app downloads to safe downloads, and ensure the apps are appropriate for the child’s age and maturity level.
How to know if your kids have downloaded inappropriate apps
FlashGet Kids is a comprehensive parental control app that can help you control the apps your children download and use on their smartphones.
It packs onboard some features that ensure online safety, such as tracking app downloads, setting screen time limits, and blocking URLs that may lead to inappropriate content.
FlashGet Kids also lets parents seamlessly navigate an entire list of applications installed on their child’s device. This enables you to recognize if an app is inappropriate or unauthorized instantly. You can then quickly block apps you feel are not fit for your child.
App Blocker:
Step 1. To block all apps, head to “Usage Limits” and choose whether to turn on “Disable All Apps” or “Forbid New Apps.”
Step 2.“Always allow” is the choice to whitelist apps for kids.
Step 3. Head to “Usage limits” > “Always Allow” > “Search” or “Select Apps” > “Save.”
Daily Usage:
Step 1. First, open FlashGet Kids on the parent’s device as parent. Then go to dashboard > “Device Activity” > “App list” to see the daily usage of your child’s phone.
Step 2. Once you know how your child is using apps, you can go to “Add Limits”, “Available Time Limits,” or “Time Span Limits.”
Step 3. Click on “Every day” or “Customize everyday timespan.” >”Save.”
Conclusion
Though WhatsApp Plus has attractive features like improved privacy controls and customization options, it’s a hazardous tool that exposes users to malware and the risk of account bans.
It not only breaks rules about terms of service but may also cause harm to children by exposing them to online danger.
Parents can use tools like FlashGet Kids to receive information about what apps are being used and block inappropriate or unsafe apps for their kids.
But there’s no ‘silver bullet’ when it comes to safeguarding children online, and it all comes down to the active involvement of every single parent and the right tools.
FAQs
{faq start}
Why can’t I use WhatsApp Plus anymore?
It may be that your mobile phone system is incompatible, the version is old, WhatsApp or other issues blocking the account prevent you from using WhatsApp Plus. It is unstable and unsupported for long-term use.
What should I do if I download WhatsApp Plus accidentally
Uninstall WhatsApp Plus and download the official WhatsApp app from the official app store. It’s not safe for information security. Genuine apps provide better security and privacy, more excellent stability, and guard your data from potential threats.
{faq end}
