Nifty24,613.0026.3

WhatsApp Update

Commercial messaging market set to reach $3.2 bn by 2028: Gartner report

India's commercial messaging market is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2028 from $1.3 billion in 2023. This expansion is driven by the increasing adoption of advanced messaging channels like Google's RCS (rich communication services) and Meta's WhatsApp Business, which are intensifying their competition in the market. Currently, WhatsApp holds a significant lead over RCS in India, with enterprises favoring its platform for messaging deployments.

Tanla Platforms shares soar over 13% after inking deal with WhatsApp

Tanla Platforms' shares surged 13% to Rs 1,080 after partnering with Meta-owned WhatsApp to deploy Wisely ATP against fraud, in line with the telecom regulator's AI mandate.

WhatsApp inks deal with Tanla to detect and curb scams

WhatsApp and Tanla Platforms have joined forces to combat scams by identifying fraudulent phone numbers. Through Tanla's AI-based solution, Wisely ATP, real-time signals on potential fraud will be shared with WhatsApp for action.

My phone has been hacked by Pegasus: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter

Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and her media advisor, claimed her phone was hacked by Pegasus spyware, stating it was procured by the Government of India to target critics. She accused the BJP of spying on non-compliant women leaders, condemning their actions. Pegasus, created by NSO Group, exploits WhatsApp to seize control of mobile phones through missed calls.

Third Eye: Party first, work later, left in the lurch, and WhatsApp admission

Ministers delay work for party obligations, impacting ministry activity. Former minister faces challenges with seat denial and office cancellation. WhatsApp message secures IIT admission for 25 students after technical issue.

WhatsApp launches context card feature to help users stay safe in group messaging

Meta’s WhatsApp launches a group messaging safety feature, displaying context cards for new, unknown group additions with creator details and creation date. This helps users decide to stay or leave. The update enhances tools like chat lock, silencing unknowns, in-app privacy check-up, group addition control and mirrors individual message safety. Rolling out in coming weeks.

Meta AI rolls out in India on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram

With this, people can use Meta AI in feeds and chats across its apps to get things done, create content, and deep dive into topics, without having to leave the app they are using, according to a statement by the social media giant.

KwikChat to power over 5000 eCommerce brands globally, aims four-fold revenues increase

KwikChat, a WhatsApp commerce solution by eCommerce enabler GoKwik, aims to quadruple its revenue and support over 5000 brands and 3 billion conversations in the next six months. Launched after acquiring Tellephant, KwikChat helps brands engage shoppers, increasing ROI on marketing campaigns, recovering abandoned checkouts, and boosting repeat purchases. Within a year, it expanded to multiple platforms, significantly increasing engagement and automated support queries. Brands using KwikChat, like Foxtale, report higher conversions and recovery rates, contributing to GoKwik’s expected revenue growth this fiscal year.

Meta AI assistant rolls out with text, and image features

Meta has launched Meta AI across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, offering text and image generation capabilities. Ryan Cairns, VP of Engineering at Meta, highlighted the advantages of Meta AI over competitors like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Copilot.

Facebook owner Meta respects the law only when it suits, says Australia minister

Australia's financial services minister said that Meta, owner of Facebook and WhatsAPP sees itself above the law, harming economies and democracy worldwide with its anticompetitive actions. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones criticised Meta's behavior as a "corporate bully," especially its stance on licensing deals with Australian news media. After Canada introduced a similar law in 2023, Meta blocked links to news content in the country.

WhatsApp business calling service won't disrupt traditional toll-free channels: Experts

WhatsApp's recent introduction of calling features for businesses is not expected to significantly impact traditional telecom voice calling. Experts in the communications sector believe it will focus on "contextual calling" rather than disrupting toll-free customer service lines used by large enterprises.

ET Explainer: How will Apple's RCS support for SMSes improve user experience

RCS is an interactive messaging protocol which enables features such as two-way communication, exchange of text/pictures/videos, group conversations, read receipts, lead generation and other advantages as compared to the traditional SMS.

RCS Messaging: Decoding Apple's next move to compete with Google and WhatsApp

Apple's announcement to enable RCS messaging in iMessage with iOS 18 upgrade, enhancing communication features for Android users. RCS, a GSMA protocol, offers advanced messaging capabilities through Universal Profile 2.4.

Father's Day 2024 in USA: Messages, WhatsApp, Facebook status for Dads

Father's Day 2024 is just around the corner, presenting a perfect opportunity to celebrate the wonderful dads in our lives.

HSBC cuts Elastic Run valuation; Hero MotoCorp doubles down on Ather

HSBC has cut its valuation estimate for B2B ecommerce firm Elastic Run by nearly half, bringing it under $1 billion. More on this in today’s ETtech Top 5.

Meta's WhatsApp launches new AI tools for businesses

Meta launches first AI-driven ad targeting program on WhatsApp to boost revenue. CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveils tools for businesses at a Brazil conference, shifting WhatsApp's stance on targeted advertising and enhancing customer engagement.

Will use AI tools to tackle growing instances of spam on WhatsApp: Meta’s Nikila Srinivasan

“From WhatsApp’s perspective, a core principle we follow is that anything has to be reliable and private. Anything that invades our privacy does not have any space on the platform. Our expectation from the businesses is that they have explicit permission before they reach out (to users),” Nikila Srinivasan, the company’s vice president of business messaging, told ET.

SMS makes a strong comeback as global firms shift away from WhatsApp

Global tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have returned to using SMS OTPs in India after Meta's WhatsApp changed pricing and norms for international authentication messages. This has led to a 50-70% increase in monthly international SMS volume for telecom operators in India since March.

Dhruv Rathee factor? How YouTubers ruined Modi-led BJP’s game in Lok Sabha elections 2024

Dhruv Rathee factor: From viral sensations to influential voices, YouTubers have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in shaping public opinion and influencing political landscapes. With millions of subscribers and a knack for captivating storytelling, these digital creators have transcended traditional media boundaries to become powerful agents of change. In the realm of Indian politics, one such figure stands out: Dhruv Rathee.

Amazon backs social media influencers, launches Creator University

Amazon is promoting India’s social media influencers to create content directly on the Amazon platform. Zahid Khan, director of shopping initiatives at Amazon, highlights the dual approach of leveraging external social media platforms and creating engaging content on Amazon.

View: Overturn cultural practices and dogmas to spur our companies to spend on R&D

WhatsApp showcases tales of ancient glory, while global reports highlight India's rankings in hunger, press freedom, and sustainable development. India ranks 40th on the GII 2023, above all BRICS nations except China.

Tata Mutual Fund warns investors of fake social media accounts

Tata Mutual Fund has issued a public caution notice to alert its investors, distributors, brokers, investment advisors, partners, and the public about fraudulent activities on social media platforms. The notice highlights the presence of fake websites, mobile applications, and WhatsApp groups impersonating the company or its officials.

Conversational commerce powered by Gen AI to spur next wave of growth for businesses: Bain & Company - Meta Report

Sandhya Devanathan, Head and VP, Meta in India, said the company sees business messaging as a key growth driver of its business in India. “We see it in terms of consumer behavior on our platforms, in terms of people using messaging to communicate with businesses, and we see that given the size of the WhatsApp platform and what users are asking for. 60% of the users of WhatsApp in India message a business every week,” she said.

Trai to shortly release views on regulating communication apps

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is set to provide recommendations on the possible regulation of over-the-top (OTT) communication apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. The consultation process initiated in July last year continues, with stakeholders having provided their comments.

Congress adopts multi-pronged media strategy in polls, 20,000 volunteers spread message

Congress adopts a multi-pronged social media strategy led by Rahul Gandhi, connecting directly with people through interactive sessions and manifestos like Nyay Patra. More than 88 lakh people have downloaded the manifesto, with Gandhi's YouTube channel having 5.6 million subscribers and Instagram account over 190 million views. He also has 25.5 million followers on Twitter, 6.

Pig-butchering stock market get rich quick scam: Telegram, Instagram, WhatsApp used to steal lakhs from investors; tactics used, how to stay safe

A 32-year-old woman was scammed after joining a Telegram channel promising high returns. The scam targeted homemakers and retired individuals through unverified channels. Scammers impersonated advisors from reputed banks like HDFC, SBI, and ICICI. Delhi Police have been actively arresting scammers involved in these fraudulent activities.

Mother's Day 2024 in USA: Wishes, Facebook, WhatsApp status, messages

Mother's Day 2024 wishes on WhatsApp, Facebook are the most trending thing. We have compiled a few for our readers.

The YouTube Election: Social media emerges as key player in Indian polls

Dahiya can see people’s enthusiasm reflected in the sudden surge in subscribers over the past month, along with better likes-to-views ratio and a higher number of comments on videos even when the content is critical and not celebratory.

Mother's Day 2024: Heartfelt quotes, wishes, and status for Facebook and WhatsApp

Mother's Day 2024: Mother's Day is a poignant reminder of how much mothers shape our lives and how deep their love runs. On this day we celebrate the selfless love and sacrifices of mothers worldwide. Let's celebrate by expressing gratitude, cherishing moments, and honoring these extraordinary women who enrich our lives with boundless love, wisdom, and grace.

Explained: Why WhatsApp is willing to leave India over encryption

After the messaging platform said that forcing it to break message encryption may lead to its exit from India, the Delhi HC has said the right to privacy can’t be absolute. Here’s a look at why the company is arguing that its end-to-end encryption cannot be compromised

Upper circuit stocks, hot IPOs: How a Hyderabad stock trader lost Rs 3 crore to an investment scam

A 48-year-old stock trader from Gachibowli, Hyderabad, lost Rs 3.37 crore in an investment scam. It began with a deceptive WhatsApp invitation to join 'International Stock Trading Account', promising upper circuit stock trades. He initially invested 60 lakh, believing in the scheme's legitimacy. Subsequent transactions, guided by fake executives, led to mounting losses.

Safety tips to keep your WhatsApp chats secure from everyone

WhatsApp to roll out new feature to help manage phone storage: Report

WhatsApp is launching a new feature to help users manage phone storage, including chat filtering for storage optimization. The tool allows users to prevent accidental deletion by filtering content types, enhancing data organization.

Are Meta and GoI really tussling over encryption? Or are we watching covert mutualism at play?

Despite seemingly insurmountable issues, India continues to be WhatsApp's second-fastest growing market, and is regularly used by Meta to test-launch new services that it hopes to monetise, like WhatsApp Business API - arguably a future money-spinner as a customer relationship management (CRM) tool for SMEs - WhatsApp Flows and WhatsApp payments.

ETtech Explainer: WhatsApp's standoff with Centre over end-to-end encryption

Last week, WhatsApp told the Delhi High Court that it would have to stop operations in India if it’s forced to break encryption for compliance with India’s Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.

WhatsApp, take it easy, seek the law

WhatsApp's encryption and compliance with law enforcement raise complex issues. While governments can seek information for law enforcement, WhatsApp's threat to stop services if encryption is diluted may not be effective. Indian courts have limited fundamental rights before, so finding a middle ground is crucial. WhatsApp may find success in arguing for compliance if data storage becomes unsustainable, but the wide reach of India's new data privacy law complicates this. Adaptation to local conditions and legal frameworks is key for WhatsApp, rather than making vague threats.

Encryption Clash Explained: WhatsApp's existence in India hangs in the balance

WhatsApp's encryption debate in the Delhi High Court has sparked a discussion on the balance between privacy and security. The court is considering a rule that requires social media companies to disclose message senders, raising concerns about privacy and data storage. WhatsApp argues that breaking encryption would violate user rights, while the government emphasizes the need for traceability in cases like communal violence. The court will continue hearings, with potential implications for messaging platforms and user privacy in India.

What is WhatsApp end-to-end encryption? Why has WhatsApp warned of leaving India?

WhatsApp tells Delhi High Court it will shut down if forced to break encryption

WhatsApp said that the contents of the exchanges shared on its platform cannot be traced by any party other than the sender and the receiver as it's end-to-end encrypted in order to protect the privacy of the parties. People use the messaging platform because of the privacy assured by it and also because messages are end-to-end encrypted, its lawyer said.

Delhi HC to hear in August pleas of FB, WhatsApp against IT rules on tracing originator

Observing that the matter would have to be argued by the parties, a bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan asked if the issue has been considered in any other country.

Apple says it was ordered to pull WhatsApp from China app store

Several other global messaging apps had also been removed from Apple's App Store in China on Friday, including Signal, which is based in the US, and Telegram, which is based in Dubai, UAE, according to Appfigures, a market research firm that analyses the digital economy.

Meta AI: Mark Zuckerberg unveils AI chatbot attached to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp. Know its features in detail

Meta AI can be accessed on WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook by typing "@meta ai" within chats. You can also access it by tapping on a colorful blue circle icon which lets you know that Meta AI is there.

Apple removes WhatsApp, Threads from China app store on government order

Apple removed Meta's WhatsApp and Threads in China following a government order, citing national security concerns. Despite disagreement, Apple complied with the law. The apps are still accessible on other platforms.

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath warns against fake stock tips group on WhatsApp

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath cautions WhatsApp users about a scam promoting a fake WhatsApp group for stock tips under his name. He urges users to report such fraudulent advertisements. The government has also issued a warning against fraudulent stock market ads on social media, advising people to be cautious and report suspicious activities.

Attention Delhi! Now, book your DTC bus tickets through WhatsApp

WhatsApp launched a QR ticketing service for DTC commuters in the Delhi NCR region, aiming to simplify transit. Commuters can access the service by sending 'Hi' to +91 8744073223 or scanning the QR code. The chatbot allows booking single journey QR tickets and offers a Quick purchase feature for frequent riders.

Meta's WhatsApp down for thousands, Downdetector shows

WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, experienced a significant outage affecting thousands of users globally. Downdetector tracked over 17,000 incidents, with users in India, the UK, and Brazil reporting problems. Meta did not respond to requests for comment.

AAP leader Gopal Rai to announce second phase of WhatsApp campaign 'Kejriwal ko Aashirwaad' today

Delhi CM Kejriwal in custody, his wife launches WhatsApp campaign 'Kejriwal ko Aashirwaad'. Kejriwal's arrest linked to money laundering in liquor scam. Sanjay Singh granted bail in Delhi excise policy case.

Meta expands third-party fact checking programme in India with PTI

With this partnership, PTI will be allowed to identify, review and rate content as misinformation across Meta platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.

April Fool's Day 2024: Top wishes, quotes, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram messages to share with family and friends

As April 1st nears, anticipation for April Fool's Day 2024 grows globally. Falling on Monday, April 1, it promises a light-hearted atmosphere despite the typical Monday blues. People of all ages prepare for playful pranks, witty hoaxes, and clever jokes. Social media will be flooded with humorous memes, adding to the festive spirit. April Fool's Day unites us in shared laughter and camaraderie.

Don't pick up calls from foreign origin numbers like +92 on WhatsApp: DoT

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in New Delhi warned mobile users about potential scams involving calls from foreign numbers like +92 on WhatsApp. They cautioned against sharing personal information if callers claim to be government officials threatening to disconnect mobile numbers due to illegal activities. DoT urged proactive reporting of such incidents on the Sanchar Saathi portal and advised contacting cyber-crime helpline if victimized.

WhatsApp ends global companies' cheap-OTP run

WhatsApp raises pricing for international OTPs in India, impacting major companies like Amazon and Google. Strategic move targets enterprises. Fyno founder Aniketh Jain praises the pricing strategy. The market for enterprise messaging in India is rapidly growing.

WhatsApp, social media influencers emerge as go to campaign mediums as parties sound poll bugle

In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, political parties are extensively using social media to propagate their achievements and seek support from voters.

Amravati MP Navneet Rana receives death threat on WhatsApp; FIR registered

An FIR was registered against unidentified persons for allegedly threatening to kill Amravati MP Navneet Rana via an objectionable audio message. The message targeted Navneet Rana, PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Mohan Bhagwat.

CPAAS space: Tanla Platforms unveil solutions for ONDC sellers

Tanla Platforms launches solutions for ONDC sellers to use WhatsApp as a storefront, partners with Truecaller for business messaging, and offers RCS-based communication. The solutions enable conversational commerce and rich media messaging, benefiting businesses across various sectors.

UP board paper leak: State education secy denies rumours, says it was shared on Whatsapp after exam ended

Uttar Pradesh Education Secretary denies board paper leak. Leaked papers sent on WhatsApp to All Principles Agra group after exam. UP Board denies allegations. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticizes BJP for hollowing out education system. Police complaint lodged. Frequent paper leaks in job exams questioned.

Google-backed RCS isn’t a threat to WhatsApp Business, says Meta executive

Meta executive Tarcisio Ribiero’s comments come at a time when a battle is brewing between tech giant Google and Meta's WhatsApp over the rapidly growing enterprise messaging market in India. Conversational commerce wherein brands use channels such as WhatsApp and other messaging apps is expected to be a $150-175 million market in the country by 2030.

Meta launches ‘Know What’s Real’ campaign to combat misinformation

The social media giant said the aim of the campaign was to educate users on identifying and addressing misinformation on WhatsApp and Instagram by promoting digital best practices and highlighting available safety tools.

Disembodied world of voice messaging

While WhatsApp eased lives with its voice messages features, lack of search option for voice notes continues to be an issue. Contrary to WhatsApp text messages, which are easily searchable, voice messages are notoriously difficult to search through. Currently, there is no feature available that allows users to search for specific keywords within voice messages.

WhatsApp new feature: Want to use two accounts on your phone? Here a step-by-step guide

WhatsApp has a feature allowing users to manage two accounts on a single phone seamlessly, addressing a long-standing challenge for users with dual SIM phones. With a step-by-step guide, users can easily set up multiple accounts within the app and customize notification and privacy settings for each account individually.

Misinformation Combat Alliance, Meta introduce WhatsApp Helpline to fight deepfakes

The WhatsApp helpline will go live in March this year and will allow people to flag deepfakes by sending them to its chatbot. The chatbot will offer multilingual support in English and three regional languages - Hindi, Tamil, Telugu.

RBI diktat on commercial card payments; Google eyes WhatsApp Business territory

India’s central bank has asked Visa and Mastercard to stop card-based commercial payments made by corporations. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

Google pushing an alternative to WhatsApp enterprise messaging

Google is pushing an alternate mobile phone messaging system in the country that could disrupt the growing use of WhatsApp by enterprises for communicating with customers.

Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja 2024: Wishes, quotes, photos, Whatsapp & Facebook status to share

Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja 2024: Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja mark the arrival of spring in India, celebrating the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. The festival symbolizes a season of learning, creativity, and joy, with people seeking blessings for academic and artistic pursuits. From bustling classrooms to serene temples, the festival paints the landscape with yellow blossoms and brings families together to share blessings and sweets. Embrace the festive spirit by sharing wishes, quotes, photos, and statuses, celebrating the power of knowledge and creativity.

Happy Valentine's Day 2024: Best wishes, messages, photos, WhatsApp & Facebook status

Happy Valentine's Day 2024: Whether you're sharing a romantic day with your significant other, enjoying quality time with friends, or indulging in some self-love, let the air be filled with joy and affection. Valentine's Day, celebrated on 14th February, marks the culmination of Valentine’s week, dedicated to love and bonding. It commemorates St. Valentine's death, who was executed for performing secret marriage ceremonies. Cupid, the God of love, is believed to influence the day with his bow and arrow.

Happy Promise Day 2024: Wishes, images, quotes, WhatsApp and Facebook status

Happy Promise Day 2024! As we embark on this special day dedicated to promises and commitments, it's a beautiful time to reflect on the significance of our pledges to those we hold dear. Check out wishes, images, and quotes for your WhatsApp and Facebook status to share with your loved ones on Promise Day 2024.

Don't normalise disinformation

The World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report highlights misinformation or disinformation as a significant threat in the context of elections. With elections scheduled in at least 64 countries, including India, this year, the report warns that false information could destabilize the legitimacy of newly elected governments, leading to political unrest, violence, terrorism, and a longer-term erosion of democratic processes. India's strong digital infrastructure and widespread internet penetration exacerbate the risk, along with an education system that lacks emphasis on critical thinking.

WhatsApp working on new feature to automatically create account reports

Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature designed to automatically create reports for both accounts and channels on Android.

About that Desi definition of family...

Family ties have always been far more narrow in the west, with even immediate siblings becoming distant within a generation and cousins being considered 'remote' enough to make marriages between them socially and legally acceptable. Now some younger, urban Indians influenced by western mores are inclined to hew to that less inclusive definition of 'family', unwilling to accept the linkages that people at least up to my generation regarded as perfectly natural.

MHA think tank alerts against 'hijack', sextortion, impersonation scams on WhatsApp

The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has issued an advisory and alert against various scams on WhatsApp that lead to cyber crimes and financial frauds. BPRD has identified seven types of frauds, including tricking through missed calls, video calls, job offers, investment plans, impersonation, hijacking, and screen share. Scammers hijack victims' WhatsApp accounts and request money from their contacts.

Mark Zuckerberg announces new features for WhatsApp Channels

The new features being launched on Channels include voice updates, polls, share to status and multiple admins, the company said in a statement.

WhatsApp rolls out new text formatting tools for Android and iOS beta users; how to use

WhatsApp's latest beta update for Android is making waves with a host of new text formatting tools. Users can expect features like code blocks, quote blocks, and enhanced list options to diversify their messaging experience. Those who are enrolled in the beta program for Android and iOS can enjoy a sneak peek into these new formatting tools, with a stable channel release expected in the coming weeks.

Happy National Youth Day 2024: Wishes, messages, quotes, WhatsApp and Facebook status to share

Happy National Youth Day 2024: National Youth Day, observed on January 12th, is a tribute to the spirit of young minds across the nation. Commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, this day serves as a catalyst for inspiration and empowerment.National Youth Day 2024 marks a celebration of the vibrant energy, passion, and potential embodied by the youth of our nation. This day recognizes the pivotal role young minds play in shaping the future. As we commemorate this occasion, let's acknowledge the aspirations and dreams that drive the youth, fostering positive change and innovation.

WhatsApp users will soon be able to change their default theme colour; here's how

Discovered in the WhatsApp Beta for iOS 24.1.10.70 update, this feature will enable users to choose from five different colours, departing from the traditional green branding.

Google Maps now supports WhatsApp-like live location sharing; here's how to use it

Users can fine-tune sharing preferences, including duration and additional details like battery status and estimated time of arrival.

WhatsApp users to soon lose free Google Drive storage access; here's what you can do

While the reasons behind the change remain undisclosed, users can continue free backups as long as they have available space within their 15GB limit.

WhatsApp banned record 71 lakh accounts in India in Nov 2023

Meta-owned WhatsApp banned a record over 71 lakh bad accounts in India in the month of November 2023, in compliance with the new IT Rules 2021, the company said on Monday.

WhatsApp introduces status update sharing feature for web users & companion devices

The move enhances user experience, enabling more flexibility and convenience in expressing and sharing moments across different platforms.

Telecommunications Bill gets President's assent

The legislation - which allows the government to temporarily take control of telecom services in the interest of national security - was cleared by the Lok Sabha on December 20, and by Rajya Sabha on December 21.

EU Commission examines Italy's tax case against Meta

The EU VAT committee's assessment, the timing of which is unknown, will be non-binding, but a "No" from it could push the ministry and the tax agency to stop challenging Meta, and ultimately to drop the criminal investigation by Milan prosecutors as well, the sources said.

WhatsApp working on new feature to let users share music during video calls

This upcoming feature, currently in development for both iOS and Android platforms, will allow participants in a video call to collectively enjoy music while screen sharing is active.

TRAI papers on OTT, Satcom to be infructious, say government official

The new bill has removed OTT services and apps from the definition of telecom services and called for administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, ruling out auctions of such airwaves. “The telecom bill is the overarching law. Obviously the two (TRAI) papers will be infructuous,” the official said.

WhatsApp to roll out automatic album feature for channels

The introduction of an automatic album feature in WhatsApp channels will bring a significant advantage to channel owners when it becomes available for the public.

Managing WhatsApp chats made easy, users can now pin important messages for specific duration

This feature is available on Android, iPhone, and Web/Desktop versions, supporting various message types. Users can easily pin messages by long-pressing a message and selecting 'Pin' from the menu.

WhatsApp follows Instagram's lead, introduces reply bar feature for status updates on iOS & Android

This feature streamlines user engagement by placing the reply bar at the bottom of status updates, eliminating the need to swipe up.

Google Messages takes a cue from WhatsApp, will soon introduce message-editing feature

While Google has not officially confirmed this development, clues from the beta version of the app suggest active exploration of a WhatsApp-like editing capability.

WhatsApp rolling out new updates for Android; users will soon be able to get channel alerts, search messages by date

The Channel Alerts feature will provide real-time data to administrators about channel suspensions and policy violations.

WhatsApp introduces 'view once' feature for voice messages. How to send view once media

WhatsApp has introduced a new 'View Once' feature for voice messages, allowing users to send messages that disappear after being listened to. This feature enhances privacy and provides peace of mind when sharing sensitive information. The voice messages will be marked with a special icon and can only be played once. WhatsApp maintains end-to-end encryption for all personal messages. Additionally, WhatsApp has launched a secret code feature for extra privacy in locked chats. These innovations demonstrate WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and security.

WhatsApp adds support for self-destructing voice messages to keep user conversations private

This feature, already available for photos and videos, enhances user privacy by ensuring messages disappear after being listened to. Users can use this feature for sharing sensitive information or planning surprise messages.

WhatsApp introduces "view once" feature for voice notes

The feature allows users to designate voice notes as "View Once." This enhances privacy by preventing the recipient from exporting, forwarding, saving, or recording the voice note. The "View Once" audio will disappear once the recipient listens to it.

WhatsApp feature update! iOS users may soon be able to share audio during video calls

In the latest beta version of iOS, this anticipated feature aims to enhance user engagement during virtual gatherings and presentations.

iOS users on WhatsApp can now share high-resolution pictures & videos in original quality

While the rollout is ongoing for iOS, Android users can anticipate a similar upgrade in the coming months.

Next poll results day, try this experiment

If you're an advertiser, then let someone in your team give you a 4-hourly WhatsApp message (phone calls are too intrusive) about how tight or loose the race is going. That way, you'll get a fair idea, without being bombarded with tawdry details, about how many viewers may catch your product-messaging.