Opening Summary
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. However, not all versions of WhatsApp offer the same level of security and privacy. So which type of WhatsApp is actually safe to use? The short answer is that WhatsApp owned by Facebook and WhatsApp Business are less private, while third-party WhatsApp mods like GBWhatsApp are risky. For optimal security, use the official version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Understanding Different Types of WhatsApp
There are a few main variants of WhatsApp available:
Official WhatsApp
This is the WhatsApp app made by the company WhatsApp LLC, which is owned by Facebook. It is available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Web. This is the most widely used mainstream version of WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Business
A version of WhatsApp aimed at businesses, with features like business profiles, messaging statistics, and quick replies. Owned by Facebook.
GBWhatsApp
An unofficial mod of WhatsApp with added features like themes, message scheduling, and bigger media sharing. Made by third-party developers unaffiliated with WhatsApp.
Other Mods
There are other third-party WhatsApp mods like WhatsApp Plus, YoWhatsApp, FMWhatsApp etc. These offer similar extra features to GBWhatsApp but are made by different developers.
Security and Privacy Differences
These different WhatsApp versions vary in how much security and privacy they provide:
Official WhatsApp
- End-to-end encryption for messages and calls
- Security reviews and updates from large team of experts
- Backed by Facebook’s security resources
- Adheres to GDPR privacy laws in EU
- Limited data collection and targeted ads by Facebook
WhatsApp Business
- End-to-end encryption like standard WhatsApp
- Extra analytics data collected from businesses
- Facebook has access to analytics data
- Privacy focused on users more than businesses
GBWhatsApp & Mods
- No end-to-end encryption
- Extra permissions required to work
- Security updates less frequent
- Easy target for malware and hacking
- High risk of privacy violations
Detailed Security Comparison
To understand the security differences in more depth, let’s compare some key aspects of each WhatsApp version:
Encryption
| Official WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | GBWhatsApp | |
| End-To-End Encryption | Yes | Yes | No |
| Encryption Method | Open Whisper Systems | Open Whisper Systems | None |
| Encryption Keys | On user devices | On user devices | None |
As this table shows, only the official WhatsApp variants use proper end-to-end encryption based on the respected Open Whisper Systems protocol. Message contents are encrypted on user devices rather than WhatsApp’s servers. GBWhatsApp has no encryption at all.
App Permissions
| Official WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | GBWhatsApp | |
| Phone Contacts | Required | Required | Required |
| Microphone | Optional | Optional | Required |
| Location | Optional | Optional | Required |
| Root Access | Not Required | Not Required | Often Required |
GBWhatsApp requires extra permissions like microphone, location, and sometimes root access. This gives it more opportunity to access private data. Official WhatsApp requires the minimum permissions necessary.
Security Updates
| Official WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | GBWhatsApp | |
| Update Frequency | Frequent | Frequent | Infrequent |
| Update Process | Automatic | Automatic | Manual |
| Security Audit | Regular 3rd party audits | Regular 3rd party audits | No audits |
The official WhatsApp apps release security patches and improvements regularly, both automatically applied and audited by experts. Unofficial mods lag behind on critical updates.
Malware and Hacking Risk
| Official WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | GBWhatsApp | |
| Malware in App | Very Rare | Very Rare | Common |
| Man-in-the-Middle Attacks | Hardened Against | Hardened Against | Highly Vulnerable |
| Hacking Potential | Very Low | Very Low | Very High |
Without encryption and frequent security updates, GBWhatsApp and other unofficial WhatsApp versions are easy targets for malware attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and hacking. There are many documented cases of this happening. Official WhatsApp has strong defenses against these risks.
Privacy Comparison
In addition to security, privacy is also a major concern for messaging apps. Here is how the different WhatsApp versions compare in terms of privacy:
Data Collection
| Official WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | GBWhatsApp | |
| User Data Collection | Minimal | Additional analytics | Extensive |
| Third-Party Ad Tracking | None | None | High Risk |
| App Permission Abuse | Minimal Risk | Minimal Risk | High Risk |
Official WhatsApp only collects basic data required to operate, while GBWhatsApp mods can extensively collect personal data and share it without consent.
Data Use
| Official WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | GBWhatsApp | |
| Data Shared with Parent Company | Limited | Analytics Only | Unknown |
| Data Shared with Third Parties | None | None | Highly Likely |
| Targeted Advertising | None | None | Likely |
Facebook can access limited data from WhatsApp but unofficial mod developers can share data much more freely, including for targeted ads.
Regulatory Compliance
| Official WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | GBWhatsApp | |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Privacy Shield Certified | Yes | Yes | No |
| COPPA Compliance | Yes | Yes | Unknown |
Official WhatsApp follows strict laws like GDPR and COPPA for data privacy and protection. Unofficial apps have no regulatory accountability.
Conclusion
After reviewing the security and privacy aspects in depth, it is clear that the official WhatsApp app is the safest choice for most users. Though not perfect, it uses proper end-to-end encryption and follows privacy laws. GBWhatsApp and other unofficial mods are risky, offering no encryption and high chances of malware, hacking, or data abuse. For businesses, WhatsApp Business offers a good middle ground with analytics access but strong encryption still in place. Avoid third-party WhatsApp mods and stick to the official apps for your best security and privacy.