The messaging platform WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, has recently introduced a new feature called ‘Channels’. This feature allows users to share updates with their followers in a one-way communication format. This development occurred over a year following the initial introduction of the Communities feature by the company.A WhatsApp channel can serve as a platform for disseminating updates and information to a wide-ranging audience without any limitations. Information can be effectively communicated through various mediums such as text, images, videos, stickers, and links.
What does the Updates Channel mean?
On Wednesday, WhatsApp introduced its latest feature called ‘Channels’.In the WhatsApp application, you can access channels through a dedicated tab called “Updates.” This tab includes both the Status feature and the channels that you have chosen to follow. It is distinct from your conversations with family, friends, and communities.
What to know about the WhatsApp Updates channel
How can one create a WhatsApp channel?
To begin, please launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device and navigate to the Updates tab.
Proceed to Step 2 by selecting the option labeled ‘New Channel’. Please tap on the ‘Get Started’ button and proceed by following the prompts displayed on the screen.
Step 3: Proceed by assigning a channel name to establish your channel. Please note that you have the option to modify the name at any given time.
Step 4: At this stage, you have the option to include a description and icon, or defer this task for a later time.
Step 5: Incorporate an image sourced from either your mobile device or the internet in order to generate an icon. Please select the option labeled ‘Create Channel’.
How does Channel prioritize privacy protection and ensure the safety of its users?
When discussing the security of WhatsApp channels, it is important to note that users remain anonymous to individuals who are viewing a channel. The user’s personal information, including their name, contact details, profile picture, reaction to the content, or vote in a poll, is only visible to the administrators and not accessible to anyone else.According to WhatsApp, the visibility of the channels you follow and your interactions with channel content are restricted from being seen by your contacts unless they hold the role of administrator for a channel that you follow.
Additionally, it should be noted that a user’s profile and channel interaction details may be visible to channel administrators. However, it is important to highlight that administrators who are not listed as contacts will only have access to limited information.
Administrators who are not listed as contacts have the ability to view your profile picture and observe your interactions with the content on their channel. However, individuals are unable to view your complete phone number or profile name unless they have added you as a contact.
