META-owned WhatsApp is a messaging, voice and video calling or file-sharing app that is used by users worldwide. This app is used by more than 2 billion people in the world. It claims to have an end-to-end encrypted message feature and runs smoothly over any device such as Android, iOs, or desktop.
It has recently launched a brand-new feature which is called Channels, a broadcast tool that might turn out to be really useful, especially for the people who own businesses, work as content creators or simply the ones who use this platform to promote their businesses. It will be like a searchable directory that will help users to find updates on their hobbies, sports teams, local officials and much more. But to sign up for a channel, searching is not the only way, users can even get an invite for channels in chats, e-mail or online.
For this feature, a new tab named updates will be created for users in which they will be able to check the updates from their preferred Channels that they have chosen. The content displayed in this tab will be different from the ones available in your chats with any of your friends, family, or groups.
What WhatsApp announced ?
WhatsApp announced this feature in a blog post that said, “Today we’re excited to introduce Channels: a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organizations, right within WhatsApp. We’re building Channels in a new tab called Updates – where you’ll find Status and channels you choose to follow – separate from your chats with family, friends, and communities,”.
The company described this channel feature as a one-way broadcasting tool from which content can be sent in any form- be it text, sticker, photos or videos.
What about privacy ?
Introducing this new feature does not mean that WhatsApp will compromise the privacy of its users. The users could be concerned about their personal details being leaked to strangers who have subscribed to the same channel. While addressing this privacy issue, WhatsApp has said that this broadcast service will be the ‘most -private broadcast service’ available today.
The company said that as a channel admin, the profile photo and phone number won’t be available to the followers. Similarly, following a channel will not reveal your phone number or other details to anyone. Also, admins will be able to decide who can follow their channel and who does not. Keeping the directory of their channel discoverable or not can also be controlled by the admins.
Where will it be available ?
This feature will be available initially in Colombia and Singapore and forthcoming will be available in more countries.
