WhatsApp revolution: This is the new feature coming to your phone - voila! technology

2023-06-08T08:41:54.221Z

Highlights: WhatsApp is launching a new feature called "Channels" It will allow executives to update their audience unidirectionally, similar to Telegram. Channels will appear under a new tab called Updates, where you can see the status and content of the channels you've chosen to follow. It is essentially a one-way broadcasting tool, where channel managers can send text messages, photos, videos, stickers and surveys.Initially, the service will be available in Colombia and Singapore, and will be released to other users around the world in the coming months.

Mark Zuckerberg announced a new feature — "Channels" — that will allow executives to update their audience unidirectionally, similar to Telegram. Here are all the details

WhatsApp (Photo: ShutterStock, WhatsApp)

WhatsApp announced today (Thursday) the launch of Channels: a private, reliable and simple way to receive important updates from people and organizations, directly to WhatsApp. Channels will appear under a new tab called Updates, where you can see the status and content of the channels you've chosen to follow – separate from your chats with family, friends and communities. It is essentially a one-way broadcasting tool, where channel managers can send text messages, photos, videos, stickers and surveys, similar to Telegram.

To help you choose channels to track, we're building a search guide so you can find hobbies, sports teams, updates from local government officials, and more. The channel can also be reached via invitation links sent via chat/email/internet.

"We strive to create the most private process in the world, so we start first and foremost by protecting the personal information of channel administrators and followers," Meta said in a statement. "As a channel manager, your phone number and profile picture will not be shown to followers. Similarly, when you choose to follow channels, your phone number won't be visible to admins or other followers. You decide who to follow and your choice is private."

"Because channels appeal to the general public, channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default. We believe there are certain instances where end-to-end encrypted channels may be suitable for a limited audience, such as a nonprofit or healthcare organization, and we are exploring this as a possibility in the future," Meta added.

The company emphasizes that channel history will only be saved for 30 days and then deleted from the servers, noting that channel managers will be able to create disappearing content even after a shorter time. And that's not all – channel managers will be able to block screenshots and prevent content transfers from their channel, as well as approve followers and configure whether the channel will appear in the directory or not.

Initially, the service will be available in Colombia and Singapore, and will be released to other users around the world in the coming months.