LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – WhatsApp Channels, a new feature that allows users to share updates with a large number of people, are now available in India and 150 other countries.
Channels are designed as a one-way broadcast tool, so channel members can only view and react to messages, but not reply to them.
To find a channel, users can search for it in a new directory that is filtered by country. Channels can also be joined by clicking on an invite link.
Messages sent via WhatsApp Channels are displayed for 30 days and are not protected by end-to-end encryption.
However, all other forms of communication on WhatsApp, such as direct messages, group chats, calls, status messages, and attachments, continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption.
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To promote the new feature, Meta has partnered with the Indian Cricket team and celebrities like Diljit Dosanjh, Neha Kakkar, and Katrina Kaif, who have all created channels on WhatsApp.
The company says that it will allow any user to create a channel in the coming months.
Here are some of the key features of WhatsApp Channels:
- One-way broadcast tool: Channels allow users to share updates with a large number of people.
- Directory search: Users can find channels in a new directory that is filtered by country.
- Invite links: Channels can also be joined by clicking on an invite link.
- 30-day message retention: Messages sent via WhatsApp Channels are displayed for 30 days.
- No end-to-end encryption: Messages sent via WhatsApp Channels are not protected by end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp Channels are a new way for businesses, organizations, and individuals to share information with a large audience.
The feature is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be a powerful tool for communication and engagement.
