WhatsApp has launched a new feature called “Channels” which allows users to receive updates from people and organizations, right within WhatsApp.
Driving the News
The new feature will be in a tab called “Updates” and users can follow whatever channels they want as well as find Status updates
Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. WhatsApp is currently building a searchable directory where users can find hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials, and more.
How It Works
WhatsApp is focused on privacy with Channels whereby Channel admins won’t have their phone number or profile picture shown to followers. Users who follow a channel will also have their phone numbers shown to admins and other channel followers.
Admins can also decide to make their channels discoverable in the searchable directory and WhatsApp states that channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default but the company states that they will explore that option in the future for certain organisations that are non profit or health.
What Happens Next
WhatsApp has launched its Channels feature in Colombia and Singapore and plans on bringing this feature to more countries over the coming months.
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