WhatsApp: New bug allows blocked users to send messages
What's the story
Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp has found itself in a new soup after reports surfaced of a bug in app's latest version. Reportedly, the bug allows WhatsApp users to receive messages from other users they have blocked. It also allows blocked users to see 24-hour status updates. While WhatsApp hasn't made any comment yet, here's what you can do about it.
Details
Twitter erupts with reports of the WhatsApp bug
The bug was first reported by reliable tipster and beta tester WABetaInfo on Twitter. Thereafter a lot of Twitter users took to the social media platform to complain. The bug reportedly affects both Android and iOS users, and is likely to be a server side issue. However, not everyone is facing this issue.
Twitter Post
Aggravated users take to Twitter to complain
Guys please, why am I still getting WhatsApp messages from this person even when I already blocked him?
— Ariyo Ose (@Osesax) May 22, 2018
Is there a new way to blocking a number from sending you messages on WhatsApp?
Please help!!! pic.twitter.com/GuUrq1nSjT
Twitter Post
Users liken the bug to a data breach
@WhatsApp May I know how can my blocked contacts accessing/viewing my whatsapp status? #whatsappdatabreach
— Vani Krishnamurthy (@VaniKrishnamur3) May 23, 2018
Stopping the bug
Here's what you can do to avoid the bug
In case you're getting messages from blocked users, here's what you can do. You first have to 'unblock' the blocked user, and then go to the 'Contact Info' of that user by tapping his/her name. All you have to do after reaching 'Contact Info' is to block the user again. This should prevent the bug from allowing messages from blocked contacts to get through.