I believe this problem started to occur during Alpha 0.16.0 (if not, 0.15.0).
I also believe this problem only affects Windows 10 edition.

Before this problem occurred, the user was able to use "ALT + 21" to receive this: "§", but that is no longer the case.it now comes up with "w". Of I open Notepad and put the same alt code in, I get "§"

But, when I use "ALT + 25" in game I get "§", but it doesn't allow the color to work.

But, there are other means of getting the "§" symbol.
I can access the symbol by copying it from notepad or the internet, and it works. No problems with the colors.
And there is another ALT code to access it. "ALT + 0167 ". This isn't as easy to remember as "ALT + 21", although it does work.

The screenshot in the attachment will show you what I mean.