WhatsApp Messenger has been extensively banned in China by the government, with text messaging as well as photo and video sharing not currently functional. The existence of WhatsApp has been hanging since government prevented users from sending photos and videos in July. Now, it seems that the application no longer works in the country at all.
WhatsApp Messenger is a freeware and cross-platform instant messaging service for smartphones. It uses the Internet to make voice calls, one to one video calls; send text messages, images, GIF, videos, documents, user location, audio files, phone contacts and voice notes using standard cellular mobile numbers.
However, WhatsApp had earlier been banned in the whole country and noticed those bans lifted within a few days, so it’s unclear how long the messenger app may remain unavailable.
But, If the block is lifted, this may be a show of power by the Chinese government. But if the block remains in place, it could disturb businesses that depend on WhatsApp messenger to communicate with customers. This would also be a big step back for parent company Facebook’s relations with China.
By blocking its residents from using WhatsApp messenger, the government of China hopes to force them to use the secure messenger alternatives such as WeChat, which gives the Chinese government the residents’ personal data.
