Yes, GB WhatsApp comes with a lot of attractive features outside the scope of WhatsApp, but using an unofficial modification of a widely used application has it's cons too. In the section below, we delve into the cons of selecting GB WhatsApp over the official WhatsApp application.
Security Risks
The biggest problem with GB WhatsApp it is not too secure.Configure your settings,privacy on you risk. It does not pass through the strict security tests like WhatsApp, because it is not an official application approved by Google Play or the App Store. GB WhatsApp users are more susceptible to malware and spyware, as the source of the app form the users side and the integrity of its updates cannot be guaranteed. Theoretical only because such security risks can potentially expose the users to having identity stolen maliciously and personal data stolen from messages, contacts, media files etc.
Privacy Issues
Another important area is privacy, and GBWhatsApp may leave users vulnerable. While this allows the app to circumvent privacy controls to either show deleted messages or to see or not a user is online currently, it is also tantamount to breaking officially set privacy norms. This could mean that users may face confidentiality breaches and their data may be accessed without their authorization.
Lack of Updates
Because GB WhatsApp does not get its official updates from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, there is a chance that users would not receive important updates that may include security patches or new features. Notably, this can result in the app - and its users - remaining at higher risk of newly revealed threats for longer periods, compared to the typical updating cycle of the official WhatsApp.
Potential Account Bans
WhatsApp has taken stricter action against users of unofficial versions of the mod like GB WhatsApp. Such apps can also get you banned temporarily or permanently from using whatsapp. These unofficial apps are in violations to WhatsApp terms of service which is why this enforcement was done. They also run the risk of losing access to their accounts, which may be an inconvenience for some people who use WhatsApp as a main channel of daily communication.
Compatibility Issues
Some applications may also find certain functions incompatible with GB WhatsApp users. This is because it works over a platform that is not in sync with the original app which causes GB WhatsApp to sometimes not work the way it is supposed to and eventually to crashes or data loss. Certain features existing in the official app does not work as intended in GB WhatsApp because of this compatibility issue.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Also, using a modded app tampering with any copyrighed code / term of use can raise the specter of a whole host of legal and ethical concerns. It allows you to avoid legal limitations and licensing rules of original developers, which termed as copyright violation. Again, the tech users need to be aware of the legal consequences and the morality of bad software that will inevitably negate the good progress made across the software industry and compromise the whole security for everyone.
It holds an array of pros and cons to use GB WhatsApp, hence it is a dual faced scenario and users should carefully weigh the risks which come along with this. The additional value-add of extra functionalities has to be counter-balanced with the risk of security breaches, privacy violations, and more.