WhatsApp, Facebook-owned messaging giant, has begun to block Telegram on November 30. In this regard, subscribers are not able to share clickable Telegram-associated URLs in their chats. At the moment, this affects Android app only.
Jernej Virag, Android developer, reveals in Tech Crunch that WhatsApp's code seems to specifically targeting Telegram. The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, described in the report that WhatsApp blocking links to its service as short-sighted. Pavel added that they did not notice the deletion of Facebook page in its website since they are not using it. Though, The Verge reported that the update is done silently as stated by Telegram.
However, it seems that not all phones are affected by the issue, according to the test of Orat.io. Copying simple text message still works on iOS app. The blog also mentioned that such issue in WhatsApp's Android app is built on purpose as per the source code. Telegram also commented in NDTV that the latest version of the app installed might not see the block just yet. A Telegram spokesperson said in the report, "Typically after a media backlash, FB steps back and blames their intelligent filtering for the problem. We expect the same to happen this time as well."
On the other hand, related report said that Facebook also faced the same issue of blocking its rival app, Pirate Bay, in 2010. It is the same story that happened when Facebook also censored content and blocking links to Tsu.co, a social network that pays users part of the ad revenue. Nevertheless, Telegram doesn't seem worried as the spokesperson said in The Verge that it is hoping Facebook can lift such block in its app.
As of the moment, Facebook has to comment yet regarding the issue. Telegram has no more to say if it will take some actions in asking to keep WhatsApp from Facebook.
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