WHATSAPP’S two billion users have been warned they could get in pretty serious trouble for sending certain types of messages.
According to reports, sending restricted or banned content on the app could not only result in fines but could even land you in trouble with the law if it gets reported.
WhatsApp messages may be encrypted, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be shared publicly[/caption]
The biggest worry for WhatsApp users should be those sharing images or videos that infringe copyright laws, according to mint.com.
If the original owner of the copyrighted material found out and filed a complaint, the person who shared it could be forced to pay damages.
Similarly, those sharing inappropriate content could result in legal consequences, especially if those on the receiving end were to kick up a fuss.
Sending too many messages could also land you in hot water, reports the Daily Record, getting you banned and unable to use the app to contact friends and family.
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WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app.
And as of January this year, boasts a whopping two billion-strong user base sending over 100 billion messages every day.
The idea that simply sending the wrong kind of message could result in fines or legal damages comes as a huge shock for users who use the platform to send memes and videos on a daily basis.
The news comes as police issue a formal statement warning users of a scam that could cost them millions.
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Called “friend in need”, the scam often starts with “Hi mum/dad it’s me” and involves tricking parents into thinking they’re speaking to their children.
Often it will be using an excuse like they’re texting on a friend’s phone or from a new number.
But the scammer behind the con will then request a large sum of money to pay some kind of urgent bill.
Action Fraud says that the scam was reported 1,235 times between February 3 and June 21 this year, with a total cost to victims standing at an astonishing £1.5million so far.
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If you receive any of these types of messages, WhatsApp recommends reporting them as spam messages, which can be done within the app.
It’s also a good idea to block the person who sent it to you.
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