WhatsApp In India

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

Meta-owned WhatsApp has come out with a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the controversial username feature, outlining details on how it plans to address concerns around impersonation, scams and unwanted contact as users begin reserving usernames. The FAQs come amid the Centre's notice to Meta flagging concerns over potential fraud and impersonation risks, and warning against a roll out of the feature till consultations on the issue are completed "to the satisfaction of the government". Put simply, the new feature will allow users to create unique usernames that can be used for connecting on WhatsApp without sharing phone numbers. The FAQs say usernames will be optional, cannot be searched by strangers, and that users can add an additional 'username key' requiring both the username and the key before someone can contact them. WhatsApp said well-known names, including those of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts, have been

With hundreds of millions of users, millions of businesses and a rapidly growing digital economy, India has become the most important market for WhatsApp

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a Scam Alert feature that could warn users about suspicious messages from unknown contacts without reading chats or compromising end-to-end encryption

WhatsApp is testing a native logout option that allows users to sign out without uninstalling the app or deleting the account, while preserving chats, settings and login information

Meta expands beyond ads with paid Plus subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, alongside new Meta AI and creator-focused Meta One premium plans

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

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

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 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

A US probe into Meta's alleged access to WhatsApp messages ended abruptly after reportedly claiming the company could read users' encrypted chats

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

A multi-pronged action involving telecom regulators, service providers, the RBI, tech giants and the CBI has been taken to tackle the rising menace of digital arrest scams, besides WhatsApp banning 9,400 accounts involved in such offences, the Centre has told the Supreme Court. The action was detailed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) which has filed a comprehensive status report in pursuance of the Supreme Court's directions of February 9 to curb rising cases of digital arrests in the country, according to sources. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which had taken suo motu cognisance of online frauds, including digital arrests, had issued a slew of directions including asking the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and others to jointly hold a meeting to come up with a framework for providing compensation in digital arrest cases. The fresh status report, filed through Attorney ...

WhatsApp will stop working on older Android phones from September 2026, as it raises system requirements and adds new features, with users advised to back up chats or upgrade devices

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

WhatsApp's latest iOS update brings a native CarPlay app, letting users message and call directly from their car dashboard with a simpler interface designed to reduce distractions while driving

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new noise cancellation feature in beta that reduces background sounds during calls, aiming to improve voice clarity for users in noisy environments

The government is reportedly giving messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram more time to comply with SIM binding rules after companies flagged technical challenges