Whatsapp Features

Govt plans common rules for messaging apps after WhatsApp username row

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

WhatsApp's reply on 'username' feature due today: IT Secretary S Krishnan

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

After India, Somalia raises concerns over WhatsApp username feature

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

Decoded: All about WhatsApp's username feature and why govt wants it paused

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

WhatsApp usernames rollout under scanner: What the govt is worried about

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 introduces username: What is it, how it works, and how to reserve

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 is letting users hide phone numbers with usernames: How to setup

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 bringing document sharing support to Meta AI: What it means

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 reportedly offers rival AI chatbots limited free access to WhatsApp

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

WhatsApp tests 'After Reading' timer for disappearing messages: What's new

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

Meta seeks to avoid EU fine with free WhatsApp access for rival AI chatbots

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 rolls out 'Plus' subscription plan on Android, iOS: Check features

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

Soon, you can customise chat themes on WhatsApp Web client: What's new

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

WhatsApp tests widget to show Status updates on Android home screen

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 may adopt Apple's Liquid Glass UI for chats on iOS: What to expect

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 introduce its own encrypted cloud backup option: What's it

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

WhatsApp reportedly testing paid 'Plus' tier with more features: What's new

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 to soon get chat themes with multiple colour options: Report

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

Tech Wrap April 9: Meta Muse spark, WhatsApp usernames, iOS 26.4.1 released

Meta's Muse Spark AI model to power Meta AI. WhatsApp tests usernames in beta. Apple iOS 26.4.1 update. Dyson HushJet Mini Cool unveiled. WhatsApp iOS update adds native CarPlay app

Tech Wrap March 23: AirDrop on Galaxy S26, Realme 16, WhatsApp on iOS

Samsung Galaxy S26 series gets Apple AirDrop support. Realme 16 5G to launch in India soon. WhatsApp for iOS may get automatic message translation. Windows 11 updates. AI headlines in Google Search