WhatsApp bug: Major issue with app allows blocked contacts to still send messages

A huge WhatsApp bug allows blocked contacts to get in touch with people.

Numerous users of the messaging app say that people they have blocked – potentially – are now able to reach out to them and send messages.

The problem appears to go away if the person is unblocked and then blocked again. But many users might not be aware of it: the bug not only allows people to send messages, but also to see people's status and profile details.

WhatsApp allows its users to block any particular contact, banning them from ever sending sending messages. Such tools are of particular use to people who have been in bad relationships, for instance, who may not want to hear from their ex-partner.

But the bug allows those people to get around those blocks, and send as many messages as they want.

Reports of the problem are widespread across Twitter and other social networks.

It appeared to be affecting both iOS and Android users, suggesting that the problem is on WhatsApp's servers.