WhatsApp is one of the world’s most popular messaging apps that allow users to send messages, make voice and video calls, share photos and documents, and create group chats. It is known for its end-to-end encryption, which provides secure communication between users.
WhatsApp has gained popularity due to its ease of use, free service, and cross-platform compatibility, making it a widely used app across the world – and over the last few months, it has introduced various features aimed at simplifying group communication. One of these is Communities, which enables users to merge multiple groups into one for more convenient administration. You can send notifications and news to all groups within a community simultaneously.
Now, we have learned that the chat app is developing a new communication tool for sharing information with multiple recipients, dubbed Newsletter. It appears that the feature will enable you to receive updates from various sources, including local authorities, sports teams, and brands, even if they are not in your contacts list.
Unlike regular chats, messages sent through this tool will not permit replies, and they will not be protected by end-to-end encryption. However, given that it will be one-way communication, the lack of encryption should not raise any security concerns.
The newsletter tool has a privacy-focused design. This means that when creating or subscribing to a newsletter, your phone number will remain hidden and anonymous. Similarly, others will not be able to see what newsletters you are following, and vice versa.
It has also been hinted that an optional Newsletter section will be added to the Status tab of WhatsApp, providing a private space where users can control which newsletters they see. People who have had access to hidden code in the app suggest that newsletters will not rely on ads or algorithmic recommendations, with the content being shown in chronological order.
Handles (@) will be supported to make newsletters more easily discoverable.
The Meta-owned chat platform allows users to communicate with up to 1,024 people at once through group chats, and the newly introduced Communities can accommodate up to 5,000 members. Although this may be sufficient for personal use, businesses and content creators require a more extensive reach.
Remember, your phone number is visible to others in group chats and Communities, posing a risk to your privacy. Newsletter seeks to overcome these restrictions.
We are not sure when the feature will be released to all users.
