WhatsApp has started allowing users to send messages to people who have blocked them, and people are − understandably − not best pleased.
Some sort of glitch appears to be to blame and, judging from the sheer number of user complaints we’ve spotted on Twitter, the issue doesn’t seem to be restricted to a tiny handful of people.
Anyone else recieving messages from people they've blocked on WhatsApp?
— The Waveman (@caseywaves) May 23, 2018
Guys please, why am I still getting WhatsApp messages from this person even when I already blocked him?
Is there a new way to blocking a number from sending you messages on WhatsApp?
Please help!!! pic.twitter.com/GuUrq1nSjT
— Ariyo Ose (@Osesax) May 22, 2018
So people can send you messages even when they're blocked on your whatsapp. ?? my stalker is back. Jesus help me.
— a baby girl (@TheBarbieM) May 22, 2018
Dear whatsapp, your system has a glitch. I blocked someone but that person was able to message me ?
— Anna (@annaedep) May 22, 2018
Wait, how the hell ya have someone blocked on WhatsApp and they could still see your status? ?
— Sage In Autumn. ? (@autumnarrives) May 23, 2018
How can a blocked number still message me on WhatsApp????????
— ‘_’ (@bonbons_01) May 23, 2018
Gatwe whatsapp has freed blocked peopled ????
— Potato (@leprechxun) May 23, 2018
The issue was first spotted by WABetaInfo, which describes it as “critical”, and says it affects both iOS and Android users.
The bug essentially renders WhatsApp’s blocking functionality useless. As the company’s website explains, when you’re blocked:
- You can no longer see a contact’s last seen or online in the chat window
- You can’t see updates to a contact’s profile photo
- Any messages sent to a contact who has blocked you will always show one check mark (message sent), and never show a second check mark (message delivered)
- Any calls you attempt to place will not go through
For the time being, none of the above is happening. Blocked users are, temporarily, at least, able to successfully send messages, view the profiles of the people who have blocked them and see their “last seen” time.
While many people simply use the feature to dodge annoying people, others have more serious concerns, and rely on blocking to shield them from people they have good reason to avoid.
If you do receive a message from a contact you’ve blocked, you can continue to ignore them simply by muting the conversation.
WhatsApp is yet to officially acknowledge the bug, but we’ll keep you updated when we hear more.
Have you experienced this issue? Share your thoughts with us @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.