Like Telegram: WhatsApp introduces channels
WhatsApp is becoming a social media platform - or at least that's what it looks like. Content can now be shared in so-called "channels" like on Telegram.
After they already appeared in the beta version, WhatsApp has officially announced them: the channels. You will soon be able to use these to view updates from organisations or individuals. The whole thing has been available on Telegram for some time. Unlike WhatsApp, however, the channels are separate from the chats. You can find them in a new tab in the app called "News". It is located next to the status function.
WhatsApp: privacy should be written in capital letters
According to WhatsApp, neither your phone number nor your profile photo will be visible when you join a channel. And: Only you can join the channels - channel admins will not be able to add users. The company writes in its blog that the aim was to "develop a broadcast service that prioritises privacy". Other users should not be able to see which channels you follow. The information in the channels is only stored on the WhatsApp servers for 30 days, according to the company.
Source: WhatsApp
Channel admins can decide for themselves whether their content should be findable in a directory or not. However, the channels are not end-to-end encrypted by default. The reason: WhatsApp wants to appeal to the widest possible audience.
With advertising
Channel operators can advertise their content, the messenger service writes in its blog - and provides payment services to "help people build their own business around their channel".
WhatsApp shows what the channels will look like in an advertising video. At launch - the function is currently still being rolled out - only "selected" organisations are available: The Singapore Heart Foundation, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), WHO, and also sports clubs such as FC Barcelona and Manchester United.
The Meta Group writes that the main use of WhatsApp should still be private messaging - even if the move to the channels is very reminiscent of social media, or at least looks like it.
Cover photo: Shutterstock / BigTunaOnline
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