Is the use of modded apps illegal?

[Fidelia]

Some developers have been able to tweak the original version of apps to add more functionality and features than the original app has. For instance, GB WhatsApp which is a modded version of WhatsApp has capabilities that the original WhatsApp doesn't have.

Is it illegal to use the modded apps so as to access more features not available on the official release of apps?

 

[eLdavis]

I think it is cause most of the features in this modded apps goes against the privacy settings of the original app.

 

[King Belieal]

As far as it is nothing that the original owners that owned the modded version, these developers that did the modded one are ripping the owners off and it is not ethical to make money from someone else's idea.

 

[magnus2022]

As far as it is nothing that the original owners that owned the modded version, these developers that did the modded one are ripping the owners off and it is not ethical to make money from someone else's idea.

I doubt if it is illegal because most of the modded apps can be downloaded and installed through Google play store. If it is illegal, Google ought to stop the developers from using play store. Secondly, the original developer give them access through API.

 

[Min George]

If that modded app takes away revenue from the original owners of the app, it is illegal to use such modded apps.

 

[mrki444]

You can't protect chat options or story options. So anybody can make app with same features as Whatsapp and add new without breaking law. Illegal would be using same name.

 

[Kera]

I even often wonder if those modded apps are connected to the servers of the original app or they have their own different servers?

 

[mrki444]

I even often wonder if those modded apps are connected to the servers of the original app or they have their own different servers?

They must have different servers. Nobody will share their server resource. They can sell it as service but as I know WhatsApp don't do that.