WhatsApp Will No Longer Support Old Model Phones From October 24

WhatsApp, the world’s leading messaging app, has announced that it will discontinue its support for certain older devices starting Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  In a statement posted on its FAQ page, the app’s parent company, Meta, revealed that it will no longer function on smartphones running Android 4.1 or earlier versions. Likewise, iPhones still operating on iOS 11 or lower will also be impacted by this change. WhatsApp will limit its support to phones running Android 5.1 and higher, beginning on the specified date. However, the messaging platform will continue to provide services for iPhones using iOS 12 and newer, as well as KaiOS 2.5.0 and above.  A message from WhatsApp stated, “Starting October 24, 2023, only Android OS version 5.0 and newer will be supported. Your phone must be capable of receiving SMS or calls during the verification process. We do not support setting up new accounts on WiFi-only devices.  “Prior to discontinuing support for your operating system, WhatsApp will provide direct notifications within the app well in advance, along with reminders to upgrade.” While WhatsApp did not release a list of specific affected phone models, it is expected that Android users with devices from manufacturers such as Sony, HTC, LG, Motorola, and others may be impacted.  Additionally, iPhone users still on iOS 11 are encouraged to update to iOS 12 to continue using the messaging app.  WhatsApp has pledged to keep its users informed by regularly updating its support page with the latest information on compatible operating systems.

Infractions: Delist Easynaira, 17 others from Playstore, FCCPC tells Google 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has asked Google to immediately delete Swiftcash, Easynaira, and 16 other loan apps from the Play Store over regulatory infractions. CEO of the commission, Babatunde Irukere in a statement disclosed that the affected loan apps have been operating on the Google Play store without regulatory approval or in violation of the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending. Other apps to be removed from the Google platform include Getloan, Joy Cash-Loan, Camelloan, Cashlawn, Nairaloan, Eaglecash, Moneytreefinance Made Easy, Luckyloan and Cashme. The removal order also affects Crediting, Swiftkash, Hen Credit loan, Nut loan, Cash door, Cashpal, and Nairaeasy gist loan. Irukera said the Commission would continue to engage with Google to clarify how and why apps that have not received relevant regulatory approvals are available on Google’s platform (Playstore). “Under the Guidelines, only DMLs that have been subjected to regulatory scrutiny and compliance evidenced by written approval from the Commission are allowed on Playstore. The Commission notes that some DMLs have resorted to the use of Android Package Kits (APK) file formats to reach consumers outside of the Google Play store. “This appears to be a device by some of these DMLs to evade or avoid regulatory compliance,” he said. Irukera added that compliance with the Guidelines is mandatory for all DMLs regardless of whether they intend to be placed on Playstore, operate by APK file formats, or any other means for that matter. According to him, failure to comply with the Guidelines is a violation of law and renders any such operation illegal. Meanwhile, the FCCPC boss said all approved digital lenders will now have to revalidate their registration by submitting their information to the Commission. “DMLS operating by any means or on any platforms whatsoever are hereby required to provide evidence of compliance with the Guidelines within five (5) days from the date of this Release. Also, all existing and approved DMLS providing digital lending services through APK file formats in addition to Playstore, are required to provide evidence that such APK operations are in compliance with the law. “All previously approved DMLs or otherwise must revalidate the information provided to the Commission by filling DL Form 01 and resubmit the same,” the Commission said in the statement released on Wednesday. The need for revalidation of registration by the DMLs may not be unconnected with the recent discovery that some of the approved lenders are also engaging in illegal practices of harassing and defaming their customers to recover their debt.