The instant messaging leader WhatsApp is now introducing a new “private” way of communicating. Owned by Meta Platforms, WhatsApp is the most used messaging application in the world with over two billion active users worldwide.
WhatsApp is in the news as it has launched “WhatsApp Channels”. Let’s take a dive to know further.
WhatsApp Channels – A Private Way to Follow What Matters
WhatsApp Channels offer a simple and reliable way to receive important updates privately. These channels are accessible through a new tab called Updates, separate from your regular chats with family, friends, and communities. Admins can utilize Channels as a one-way broadcast tool to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. To help users find relevant channels, WhatsApp is developing a searchable directory featuring various categories such as hobbies, sports teams, and updates from local officials. Users can also access channels through invite links shared in chats, emails, or online postings.
The focus of WhatsApp is to ensure privacy for both channel admins and followers. Admins’ phone numbers and profile photos will not be visible to followers, and following a channel will not disclose the follower’s phone number to the admin or other followers. The decision to follow a channel remains private and up to the user. In terms of data retention, WhatsApp will store channel history on its servers for up to 30 days, and the platform plans to introduce ways to make updates disappear even faster from followers’ devices. Admins will also have the option to block screenshots and forwards from their channels.
Additionally, WhatsApp will allow admins to control who can follow their channel and whether their channel should be discoverable in the directory. While channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default to reach a wide audience, WhatsApp is considering end-to-end encryption for limited-audience channels, such as those belonging to non-profit or health organizations, as a future possibility.
New Feature to be Launched in Colombia & Singapore
WhatsApp is launching its new feature, Channels, initially in Colombia and Singapore. The platform will collaborate with prominent global voices and organizations to gather feedback and enhance the user experience. WhatsApp has plans to expand Channels to more countries, allowing anyone to create their own channel in the future. There is also potential to support admins in monetizing their channels by utilizing payment services and promoting select channels in the directory.
Despite introducing Channels, WhatsApp remains focused on private messaging among friends, family, and communities. In addition, users now have the ability to edit sent messages within fifteen minutes of sending. Edited messages will display an “edited” tag without revealing the edit history. This feature is gradually rolling out worldwide and will be accessible to all users in the coming weeks.
