WhatsApp Features

The move comes after the IT ministry asked WhatsApp to put its proposed username feature on hold, citing concerns over fraud, impersonation and law enforcement challenges

Meta-owned WhatsApp's response to the government notice on the 'username' feature is due on Thursday, IT Secretary S Krishnan said. Last Wednesday, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the proposed username feature on WhatsApp, flagging concerns that it could materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams, and impersonation attacks. The username feature essentially allows people on the messaging platform to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The government had also directed the platform not to launch the feature until consultations on the issue are completed "to the satisfaction of the Government". Subsequently, WhatsApp had sought some more time to submit its response on the 'username' feature and had assured the government that it would not roll it out in India until discussions are complete. "Today is the day when the reply is due," Krishnan said on the sidelines of the CII GCC Business Summit, when asked about WhatsApp's response to th

Last week, India asked Meta to delay the rollout of the new feature, citing fears that it may fuel online fraud

WhatsApp says usernames will let users connect without sharing phone numbers, but the government wants Meta to defer the rollout over impersonation and fraud concerns

Meity has asked WhatsApp to halt its new usernames feature over impersonation and fraud concerns, while the Internet Freedom Foundation questions whether the government has the power to do so

WhatsApp has started username reservations, allowing users to claim a unique handle before the feature rolls out later this year for messaging without sharing phone numbers

WhatsApp has started rolling out usernames that could let users connect without sharing phone numbers, offering a more private way to chat with unknown contacts and groups

WhatsApp is reportedly testing document-sharing support for Meta AI on Android, allowing beta users to upload files directly for analysis, summaries, and assistance within chats

Meta introduced a policy in January allowing only its Meta AI assistant on WhatsApp, before amending it in March and saying rivals could use the social messaging app for a fee

Reportedly, WhatsApp is testing a new 'After Reading' timer for disappearing messages, allowing chats to vanish after being opened instead of relying only on a fixed time-based expiry

As part of ongoing discussions with the European Commission, general-purpose AI chatbots operating in the EEA will be given free access to the WhatsApp business API for one month.

WhatsApp has started rolling out WhatsApp Plus to select users, adding custom themes, app icons, premium stickers, extra pinned chats, and personalised ringtone options

WhatsApp is reportedly testing chat themes for its web client, allowing users to customise wallpapers, message bubbles, and chat colours directly from browsers

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new Android Home Screen widget that could let users view recent status updates and upload their own without opening the app

WhatsApp is testing a translucent 'Liquid Glass' chat interface for iPhone, aligning with Apple's iOS design language, though the feature remains in beta and is yet to roll out widely

WhatsApp may add its own encrypted cloud backup, letting users store chats on its servers with passkey-based security and reducing reliance on Google Drive and iCloud

Reportedly, WhatsApp is testing a paid 'Plus' tier with themes, stickers, icons, and more pinned chats, while core features like messaging, calls, and privacy remain free for all users

WhatsApp Web is reportedly testing chat themes with 49 colour options, letting users personalise chats with different colours, wallpapers and unique styles for each conversation

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