Anyone who has your phone number can block your WhatsApp. Here's how to protect yourself.

WhatsApp instant messaging is at the heart of a new controversy. As an avalanche of articles online reveals, someone who knows your phone number can block your account forever.

The handling is relatively simple. It is not pirating or hacking. It takes WhatsApp to its own trap. Sincerely believing to protect you, the application blocks your access. Ten minutes, a handful of manipulations on the "app" and an email are enough.

How to protect yourself? By enabling Two-Step Verification. This procedure asks you to choose a PIN code and enter a backup email address.

It is via this email address officially associated with your phone number that you can ask WhatsApp to unblock your account in the event of malicious blocking.

Here is how to enable Two-Step Verification:

– Open WhatsApp app

– On Android: press at the top right on the three vertical dots then on Settings. If Phone: press at the bottom right on Settings

– Tap Account

– Tap Two-Step Verification

– Press Activate

– Enter the PIN code of your choice then press Next

– Re-enter the PIN code then press Next

- Enter the recovery email address then press Next

- Enter the recovery email address again then press Save

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