WhatsApp presents Channels in order to transmit massive messages

According to the company, this new option can be used by content creators, media companies, companies that want to communicate something to their audiences, or even people who have a common taste and who want to be close to a particular topic. For example, it may be possible to have a WhatsApp Channel for news about the British Crown.

“The first step is to protect the personal information of both administrators and followers. As a channel admin, your phone number and profile picture will not be shown to followers. Similarly, when you follow a channel, your phone number will not be revealed to the admin or other followers. You decide who to follow and this election is private”, pointed out the brand.

WhatsApp ensures that they keep the messages that are shared in this type of space will not be on their servers more than 30 days, In addition, they will provide tools so that users do not take screenshots or send content outside the channel in which it was broadcast.

Regarding the possibility that these types of channels are used to send information that breaks the Meta rules, such as content that incites violence, pornography or content that violates copyrights, the company said that it will have a guide for administrators that delimits this type of content, as well as sanctions in the event of a complaint.

Since channels are intended to reach a broad audience, they are not end-to-end encrypted by default.

“We believe there are some cases where end-to-end encrypted channels for a limited audience could make sense, such as a nonprofit or healthcare organization, so we are exploring this option for the future as well,” the company said. .

Where will WhatsApp Channels be available?

The company indicates that it will work with some organizations and characters to launch this tool. At the moment the function will only be available in Columbia and Singapore, where the channels will be available first, to create, learn and adapt the experience. In the coming months, they will be able to reach more territories.

Although in some countries there is the option to pay through WhatsApp, the platform assured that they will not have an integration at the moment because the purpose of this stage is for users to become familiar with the function. However, you may have a retribution.

“We believe there is an opportunity to support admins by offering them a way to build a business around their channel through our expanded paid services, as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to increase awareness,” said the company. company.