WhatsApp has released an update which blocks links to rival messenger app Telegram. The new update blocks websites and link address that ends with .me or .org.

Users who receive link from Telegram.me will have to manually copy and paste it into their browsers in order to view the link. WhatsApp users are discouraged from accessing the website rival app.

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Mirror Daily reported that this issue only affects Android users who installed the latest 2.12.367 version of WhatsApp. However, it has been suggested that iOS users will also encounter this problem soon. It is still unclear why the popular service has taken this step. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which has been known to block websites such as The Pirate Bay.

Telegram is a free messaging service that is admired for its security, but has seen some problems lately.  There is a report of metadata leaks and suggestions that the terrorists behind the Paris attacks might have been using this free service.

Telegram service has been praised by many users and has grown in popularity because of its stability. Recently, the application received an update that gives users more abilities to handle group discussions. The new update also raised the bar by 200 users at the same time and allows for designated admins to manage them. The service also has its own entertaining stickers, as an alternative to classic emojis.

WhatsApp offers a free one year subscription for their service, but they will start charging subscribers after that time period. The company's yearly subscription will cost $0.99, while Telegram service is entirely for free, literally no yearly charges.

Still, WhatsApp leads the competition for now with a 900 million monthly active users compared to Telegram's 65 million monthly active users.

TagsWhatsApp, Facebook Apps, Telegram app, Telegram, WhatsApp acquisition