Analysing WhatsApp Business’ Safety for Brands and Customers
25 September 2023
WhatsApp is a highly utilised global messaging platform, with an impressive monthly user count of two billion. This extensive user base spans 180 countries, including parts of Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Recognising this universal reach, many businesses seeking global expansion have turned to WhatsApp, specifically through its business-focused app, ‘WhatsApp Business.’
WhatsApp Business, a free-to-download application, caters to small business owners and budding entrepreneurs aiming to connect with their customers via WhatsApp. It provides businesses with advantageous tools to establish a brand profile, showcase products and services, send promotional messages, and offer customer support.
Nevertheless, despite the growing popularity of WhatsApp marketing solutions, both brands and customers have voiced valid security concerns. Like email, the app exposes substantial amounts of professional and personal data. To address these concerns and determine whether WhatsApp Business is a secure platform, let’s examine its security features in detail.
Security Features of WhatsApp Business
In short, WhatsApp Business is a secure platform. There are several aspects that highlight the company’s commitment to user and brand security. Here are a few examples:
1. End-to-End Encryption
End-to-end encryption is one of WhatsApp’s standout features, assuring the privacy of all exchanges between users and the platform. Because of this encryption, only the parties involved can access conversations and calls, protecting data against decryption attempts by third-party entities such as governmental bodies, telecom providers, and even WhatsApp’s own infrastructure.
2. No Message Storage on Its Servers
Many communication service providers store customer information to personalise their customer experience. WhatsApp does not do the same; it does not store any data on its servers to ensure that all messages remain on the user’s device.
However, there are certain instances when WhatsApp may store your information, such as if a message remains undelivered because the recipient is offline or if it contains media. The storage is temporary only until the message is delivered to the end user.
3. No Keeping of Call Detail Records
Unlike traditional mobile carriers, WhatsApp refrains from maintaining call detail records, including location data and call durations, providing users with comprehensive security.
4. Strict Rules for Businesses Accessing Extra Services
Large businesses seeking additional features, such as WhatsApp API access, must adhere to stringent data regulations and work with authorised WhatsApp Business Providers to ensure compliance with the platform’s privacy framework.
Bad Practices to Avoid to Maximise WhatsApp Business Security
Another great security feature of WhatsApp Business is that it bans business accounts with activities that violate its Terms of Service. Most temporary bans in WhatsApp Business occur when numerous customers have a poor experience, or when the platform’s internal monitoring technology identifies patterns in your messages that are spammy or fraudulent.
Here are some practices you must refrain from doing to avoid getting banned in WhatsApp Business:
1. Sending Unwanted Messages
WhatsApp does not tolerate unwanted messages. If you keep on reaching out to a customer after they told you not to, WhatsApp will block you. Hence, it’s crucial to respect customer preferences and promptly remove uninterested contacts from your list.
2. Eliciting Data from Illicit Sources
As a rule, you should only contact customers with the details that are obtained through credible sources. Avoid extracting contact information from unauthorised sources or various WhatsApp groups.
3. Excessive Broadcast Messages
Sending broadcast messages is only permitted when customers save your number. If they have trusted you enough to keep your number in their contact list, spamming them might not be a good idea. If your messages are constantly reported by the users, WhatsApp will most likely ban your account.
4. Violating User Privacy and Terms of Service
WhatsApp prioritises user safety and prohibits the automated extraction of user information for illicit purposes, including phone numbers, statuses, and display pictures. Comply with these terms to avoid permanent account bans.
Aside from user privacy, it is also important to comply with WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. These service terms do not allow users to indulge in many illegal activities, including those that are racially offensive and life-threatening. Any indication of such behaviour will result in a permanent account ban.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business is a secure platform with robust security features. As a matter of fact, WhatsApp imposes either a temporary or permanent ban on accounts with suspicious activities as part of its security framework. With its impressive capabilities and top-tier security, WhatsApp Business thrives as a trusted communication platform for businesses worldwide.
Now that you understand its safety measures, leverage WhatsApp marketing to give your brand an instant boost! Kickstart your WhatsApp marketing efforts by partnering with Moobicast, an authorised WhatsApp Business solutions provider. With our expertise in using WhatsApp as an effective marketing tool, we can help you maximise its features, expanding your customer base and enhancing engagement.
Besides WhatsApp marketing, Moobicast also offers SMS services, such as bulk SMS marketing, to aid you in successfully reaching your target audience. Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your digital marketing strategy through WhatsApp and SMS.