WhatsApp: News
WhatsApp Messenger, commonly referred to as just WhatsApp, is a Facebook-owned instant messaging service. The free-to-use cross-platform centralized service allows users to send messages, images, documents, locations, and other content via end-to-end encrypted conversations. To sign up, one requires an Internet connection and a valid mobile phone number. Today, WhatsApp can be downloaded on iOS and Android, while the Windows app is essentially a version of WhatsApp Web. The web interface mandates that users remain connected to the Internet using their mobile phone while they use WhatsApp on a desktop browser. As of August 2021, WhatsApp claims to be developing multi-device support so each device can connect to WhatsApp servers independently, without requiring an active internet connection on the primary phone. WhatsApp also features VOIP voice and video calling support. By 2015, WhatsApp had achieved the status of the world's most popular messaging application. As of February 2020, it claimed to service over 2 billion users. However, a poorly worded change in WhatsApp's terms of service caused the app to lose several thousand users. Regular Facebook data leaks and its involvement in the Cambridge Analytica scandal didn't help matters either.
Telegram responds to Indian government's notice over controversial username feature
Telegram has responded to the Indian government's notice regarding its controversial 'username' feature.
How to stop Meta AI from using your Instagram photos
Meta's new AI image-generation tool, Muse Image, has stirred up controversy over privacy concerns.
Centre reviews WhatsApp's reply over username feature concerns
Meta-owned WhatsApp has responded to the Indian government's notice regarding its proposed username feature.
WhatsApp introduces an AI assistant for businesses in India
WhatsApp has launched the Meta Business Agent in India, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that automates customer interactions.
Received invoice on WhatsApp? It may be malware
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a cybersecurity alert regarding a new malware campaign.
WhatsApp username feature: Meta gets extension to answer government concerns
The Indian government has given Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, an additional three-day extension to respond to its concerns over the proposed username feature.
'Digital arrest' scam: Over ₹4,000cr lost in last 3 years
India's "digital arrest" scam has emerged as one of the country's most devastating cyber frauds.
Modi government seeks clarification on WhatsApp usernames by July 9
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has extended the deadline for Meta's response on the WhatsApp username issue by three days.
WhatsApp's new green dots show you contacts who are online
WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature that adds a green dot next to contact names in the chat info screen.
Centre orders Telegram to curb pirated films, OTT content
The Indian government has issued a notice to popular messaging platform Telegram, seeking immediate action against the rampant distribution of pirated films and OTT content.
Centre sends notices to Telegram, Signal over anonymous messaging features
India has issued notices to messaging apps Telegram and Signal, seeking clarification on their measures for protecting users who wish to communicate anonymously.
Zoho's Arattai drops username feature
Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has announced that Arattai, the company's messaging platform, will be removing its username-based account feature.
WhatsApp's username feature raises impersonation concerns as rollout begins
WhatsApp's new username feature, which allows users to find and message each other by handle instead of phone number, has raised concerns over potential impersonation.
WhatsApp ordered not to rollout username feature in India
The Indian government has asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp's new "usernames" feature, until further consultations are done, Moneycontrol has reported.
You can now reserve usernames on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has launched the username reservation feature, a major update in its connectivity strategy.
Aarogya Setu 2.0 launched in India: Check features, benefits
The Indian government has unveiled the second version of the Aarogya Setu app, along with a host of digital health initiatives.
WhatsApp removes a way to confirm if someone blocked you
WhatsApp has addressed a security loophole that allowed users to confirm if they had been blocked by someone.
WhatsApp to let you have private conversations with Meta AI
WhatsApp is testing a new feature called Side Chat, which allows users to have private conversations with Meta AI.
Pune realtor murder: Siya wanted to delay marriage, reveal cops
The murder of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal has taken a shocking turn with police revealing that his fiancée, Siya Goyal, allegedly planned the crime to delay their marriage.
WhatsApp finally lets iPhone users search channel updates
WhatsApp has finally added a much-needed search feature for channel updates on iPhone.
How one conversation led Kunal Shah to become WhatsApp's head
Meta Platforms Inc. has appointed Kunal Shah, the founder of fintech start-up CRED and one of India's most prominent angel investors, as the new global head of WhatsApp.
From delivery boy to WhatsApp head: Kunal Shah's journey
Kunal Shah, the founder of fintech unicorn CRED, has been appointed as the global head of WhatsApp.
WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart steps down after 7 years
Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp for the past seven years, is stepping down from his position.
Kunal Shah becomes WhatsApp head, Meta invests $900M in CRED
Meta Platforms has invested $900 million (approximately ₹8,550 crore) in Indian fintech start-up CRED during its Series H funding round.
WhatsApp to bring back message animations on iOS
WhatsApp is bringing back message animations on iOS, according to WABetaInfo.
Google Pay, PhonePe's combined UPI market share now below 80%
For the first time since the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) began publishing app-specific transaction data, PhonePe and Google Pay's combined market share has fallen below 80%.
How to start a group call on WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp is bringing a major update to its web platform by adding support for group voice and video calls.
UK bans social media for under-16s
The UK government has announced a ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 16.
Instagram down! Users reporting app crashes, DM issues, login problems
Instagram appears to be facing a widespread outage, with users reporting app crashes, login troubles, and timeline access issues.
WhatsApp will soon stop working on these iPhones
Meta has announced that WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later starting November 30, 2026.
WhatsApp for Android to get iOS-like message action menu
WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is finally giving its Android users a long-awaited feature.
Why Meta has taken legal action against NSO Group
Meta has filed a contempt filing against Israeli spyware firm NSO Group for violating a permanent injunction that prohibits it from targeting WhatsApp and its users.
WhatsApp will soon let you filter archived and locked chats
WhatsApp is working on a major update to its chat organization system.
Meta's future AI models to focus on consumer health
Meta Platforms Inc.'s Chief AI Officer, Alexandr Wang, has revealed that the company's future artificial intelligence (AI) models will focus on consumer health.
Meta's AI business agent now available globally on WhatsApp
Meta has launched its AI-powered Business Agent globally on WhatsApp. The move comes after nearly two years of testing in countries like India and Mexico.
CBI recreates Twisha Sharma's final moments using 80kg dummy
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recreated the last moments of Noida-based actor-model Twisha Sharma, who was found hanging at her in-laws' home in Bhopal on May 12.
Lawrence Bishnoi gang threatens Canada with 1,000 shooters: Report
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been a major force behind the extortion crisis in Canada, allegedly sent a letter to the British Columbia police.
Beware! Fake 'Cockroach Janta Party' app is malware
A fake Android app posing as the official platform of GenZ political organization 'Cockroach Janta Party' has been flagged as a major malware threat.
Internet restored in Iran after 88 days, but no celebrations
After an 88-day-long internet blackout, Iranians are experiencing a mix of relief and despair as connectivity slowly returns.
Meta tests AI subscriptions, launches paid plans for Facebook, Instagram
Meta has announced the global launch of its consumer subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
WhatsApp will soon let you share documents with Meta AI
WhatsApp has rolled out a new update for Android, version 2.26.21.6, through the Google Play Beta Program.
WhatsApp tests spoiler messages
WhatsApp is testing a new feature called "spoiler messages," as per a report by WABetaInfo.
Gujarat government to offer citizen services on WhatsApp
The Gujarat government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meta Platforms to provide citizen services through WhatsApp.
'Authorities haven't learnt lesson yet': Supreme Court on NEET-UG leak
The Supreme Court has expressed disappointment over authorities not learning from past NEET exam paper leak incidents.
Cockroach Janta Party founder receives death threats on WhatsApp
Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the satirical political outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has alleged that he is receiving death threats on WhatsApp.
Texas sues Meta over WhatsApp's encryption claims
The Texas Attorney General's Office has filed a lawsuit against WhatsApp and its parent company Meta Platforms.
NIA arrests Kolkata resident for spying for Pakistan
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Kolkata-based man, Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi, for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence officers.
WhatsApp offering access to rival AI chatbots in Europe
Meta Platforms has proposed a plan to provide rival artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, including those from OpenAI, with free access to its messaging service, WhatsApp, in Europe.
WhatsApp tests read-and-disappear messages
WhatsApp is said to be working on a new feature that would automatically delete messages after they have been read.
WhatsApp's 'Liquid Glass' redesign rolling out to more iOS users
After months of limited testing, WhatsApp has started rolling out its Liquid Glass redesign to more users.
Meta's smart glasses now let you type messages using gestures
Meta has announced a major update for its AI-powered smart glasses, the Meta Ray-Ban Display.
More Android phones to support Quick Share for iPhones
Google has announced that it will extend the Quick Share support for iPhones to a wider range of Android devices.
Meta launches Incognito Chat on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has launched a new feature called "Incognito Chat," designed to enable users to have private conversations with Meta AI.
How companies are using AI to hire faster
The recruitment landscape has changed with artificial intelligence.