[harikb]

As a developer, I tried building an app that needs to use Whatsapp for communication. Unfortunately my phone number got blocked by the second test message. No Spam. Not marketing, just a test message to my own number. Along with it, they blocked my entire business, my LLC, and anything tied to it.

I have been trying to get hold of anyone or anything at Whatsapp. I've spent 6 months trying to navigate the bureaucracy. Facebook support claims they can't touch WhatsApp; WhatsApp support ignores the Facebook side. If you're building on WA, have a backup plan.

If any Whatsapp employee reading this can look into my WBA Account 1117362643780814

[morpheuskafka]

The number is only checked at login, and after that you can now create a WebAuthn passkey (iCloud Keychain/Google Passwords synced to your next phone) for future sign-ins so it's actually only needed for first sign up. So just get a prepaid SIM or eSIM and make another account unless your business is so large that tons of people know your number.

[harikb]

Sorry I am confused. I have a "WhatsApp Business Account", tied to an "Business" (verifications all done). What I am talking about is registering a phone number that acts as the "Sender/Responder" of the messages from my customers. I am not trying to use WhatsApp from my phone manually, but have my app communicate with my customers programatically. Hope this is clear.

I can't do any of the above,

1. Requesting a new test number. Test numbers are placeholder 555 number that works only within WhatsApp test network. Can't get one.

2. Registering a new, real phone number (SIM obtained from a regular tele provider)

3. Disconnecting the WhatsApp product from the Facebook App to reset the integration.

Although the FB app is being used, I don't have any WhatsAppp users (because I have not even made the product), so wiping out any WBA accounts and starting fresh is also okay, if someone can do this.

[rvnx]

Telegram API is easier to handle as far as I know if that can somehow help (in case you want live ChatGPT or notifications for yourself in a mobile chat)

[duskwuff]

Telegram's bot API is a lot easier to get started with for sure. It's got some rough edges once you start trying to do anything more complex, though, and the underlying MTProto API is nothing short of bizarre.

I'd urge caution before using them as a component of your business, though. Their business strategy is pretty chaotic and has relied heavily on weird cryptocurrency-adjacent plays (e.g. TON / Fragment / gifts). They've made a couple of attempts to introduce business features, but I'm not sure they've had any substantial uptake.

[morpheuskafka]

Yeah, which is ironic given that it is not E2EE (unless specifically opted in for a private chat, and even then some would argue the MTProto crypto isn't good enough, although those people wouldn't trust WhatsApp ether). WhatsApp is overwhelming associated with legitimate (though in many countries, primarily overseas) users, and Telegram is somewhat associated with shady activities.

That said, Telegram is likely a lot more open for a business type that is legal but still regulated or illegal in some countries (legalized/unregulated substances, tobacco/e-cigarettes, adult content, etc.), probably less worried of random bans/demonetization.

Despite not being E2EE, Telegram also seems to have higher usage in censored countries (Russia and Iran etc). Once a Russian guy in Korea randomly asked if I had Telegram wanting me to take a picture for him since his phone was dead -- obviously had no idea that sounded like a massive scam flag to most Western users.

[harikb]

I will look into it. But my user base is either WhatsApp or plain SMS text messaging.

[yandie]

Yeah telegram is so easy to develop with - I was blown away. I was able to spin up a bot that checks for GE appointments with minimal effort.

[imtringued]

You're supposed to go to a local WhatsApp partner instead of contacting WhatsApp directly if you want to get API access for sending messages.

https://business.facebook.com/messaging/partner-showcase