Major update for WhatsApp users as platform launches ‘Channels’ – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Major update for WhatsApp users as platform launches ‘Channels’




WhatsApp has started allowing selected organizations to try out a new feature called Channels, which allows them to send messages to followers of the popular messaging service owned by Meta, reports RTE.

The debut comes at a time when many agencies and organizations are increasingly disillusioned with Elon Musk’s Twitter over fees, performance issues and a drastic reduction in content moderation.

Meta described channels as “a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organisations, right within WhatsApp,” reports RTE.

The video shared by Meta showed the channels’ potential for informing people about race results, soccer scores, weather, traffic, and even sharing cooking or home repair tips.

“We think the time is finally right to introduce a simple, reliable, and private broadcast tool,” Meta said in a post, reports RTE.

Meta said that WhatsApp’s priority will remain private messaging, but users have been asking for a feature like “Channels” for years.

WhatsApp is known for its encryption that protects you from snooping.

According to the platform, more than two billion people worldwide use WhatsApp.

Meta said it was exploring the possibility of making encrypted channels available to groups, such as non-profits or healthcare organizations, that might need this level of security, reports RTE.

Channels has been described as a one-way broadcasting tool that allows account administrators to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.

According to Meta, global launch partners include the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization, as well as football clubs FC Barcelona and Manchester City, reports RTE.

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