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.
'Digital arrest' victim pursued by scammers even to her funeral
A 28-year-old mother of two in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor died by suicide this week after cyber fraudsters posing as law enforcement officers relentlessly harassed, blackmailed, and threatened her with "digital arrest."
Amazon, Meta to lobby NPCI over PhonePe, Google Pay's dominance
Amazon and Meta are set to challenge the dominance of PhonePe and Google Pay in India's instant payments network.
Why US government has ended its probe into WhatsApp
The United States has closed an investigation into allegations that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, could access encrypted messages on the platform.
WhatsApp is testing its own encrypted cloud backup system
WhatsApp is developing its own cloud backup system with end-to-end encrypted by default.
Major changes in LPG cylinder booking process from May 1
Starting May 1, the rules for booking liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders will undergo a major overhaul.
WhatsApp will stop working on these Android phones
WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, will stop supporting Android versions older than 6.0 from September 8, 2026.
You can soon share status updates in your WhatsApp channel
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow admins to share status updates in their channels.
This Italian spyware can steal data from your Android device
Osservatorio Nessuno, an Italian digital rights organization, has uncovered a new malware called Morpheus.
You can now recharge your prepaid number via WhatsApp
WhatsApp has launched a new feature in India that lets users recharge their prepaid mobile numbers directly from the app.
WhatsApp's new AI tool can summarize multiple unread chats
WhatsApp is working on a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature to help users manage their unread messages.
Apple fixes bug that let FBI retrieve deleted iPhone messages
Apple has released a software update for iPhones and iPads, fixing a major security flaw.
How to get WhatsApp Plus
WhatsApp, one of the world's most popular messaging apps, is going premium with a new subscription service called WhatsApp Plus.
WhatsApp Plus subscription is here: What are the benefits?
WhatsApp has unveiled a new subscription plan, dubbed WhatsApp Plus, to provide users with an enhanced messaging experience.
WhatsApp will soon let you create custom status lists
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that would allow users to create custom status lists for their close friends.
WhatsApp for iOS gets 'Liquid Glass' design: How to enable
WhatsApp has started rolling out its new 'Liquid Glass' interface for iPhone users.
X accounts linked to Pakistan incited Noida workers' unrest: Police
Noida Police have suggested that social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) operated from Pakistan played a role in spreading violence during the workers' protest demanding higher minimum wages.
EU pressures Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots
The European Union (EU) has threatened to force Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, to allow third-party artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on its platform.
Noida protests planned via WhatsApp groups, QR codes: Police
Over 300 people have been arrested and seven FIRs registered in connection with the workers' protest that turned violent in Noida on Monday and Tuesday.
WhatsApp will soon let you monitor activity on linked devices
WhatsApp is working on a new feature to help Android users monitor the activity of their linked devices.
You can soon change chat themes on WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let users customize their chat themes on the web client.
WhatsApp will let you see status updates from unknown numbers
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature in its latest beta version for Android, 2.26.14.9, that allows users to view status updates from unsaved phone numbers.
'Biggest consumer fraud ever': Telegram CEO slams WhatsApp's encryption claims
A fierce privacy battle has erupted in the messaging world, with tech titans Telegram's Pavel Durov and Elon Musk questioning WhatsApp's encryption claims.
Muse Spark launch pushes Meta AI app into top 5
Meta's artificial intelligence (AI) app has seen a massive surge in downloads following the launch of its latest AI model, Muse Spark.
Meta unveils Muse Spark, first AI model from superintelligence team
Meta Platforms has unveiled Muse Spark, the first artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by its superintelligence team.
You can now chat on WhatsApp without sharing phone numbers
WhatsApp has started rolling out usernames, a feature that lets users connect without sharing their phone numbers.
Using WhatsApp for calls now easier for Apple CarPlay users
WhatsApp has launched a dedicated app for Apple CarPlay.
WhatsApp now testing SIM-binding for some users in India
WhatsApp has started testing its SIM-binding feature with a small group of users.
You can soon view paid content on WhatsApp channels
WhatsApp is working on a new feature called "Channel subscriptions," which will let users subscribe to their favorite channels for exclusive content.
WhatsApp now makes your calls clearer in noisy environments
WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature that could revolutionize the way we communicate over voice and video calls.
WhatsApp gets native Apple CarPlay app: What's so special?
WhatsApp has launched a dedicated app for Apple CarPlay, making it easier for users to access their chat list, send messages, and also make calls directly from the CarPlay interface.
WhatsApp will soon help you filter your business chats
WhatsApp is developing a new feature to help users filter their business chats.
SIM binding deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram extended: What's the reason?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the deadline for messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to comply with its SIM binding directive.
WhatsApp will soon show you which contacts are online
WhatsApp is working on a new feature called "Contacts Hub," which will show users who among their contacts is currently online.
Instagram's paid plan is being tested: What does it offer?
Meta has started testing a new paid subscription model for Instagram, called Instagram Plus. The company confirmed the development to TechCrunch.
India may extend SIM binding deadline for WhatsApp and others
The Indian government is considering an extension of the SIM binding deadline for messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, according to Hindustan Times.
WhatsApp will soon summarize multiple unread chats for you
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that would let users create private, AI-driven summaries of multiple unread chats at once.
WhatsApp introduces AI replies for conversations
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta, has announced a major update to its "Writing Help" feature.
WhatsApp finally brings multiple accounts to iPhone
WhatsApp has announced a major update for its iPhone app, introducing multi-account support and a host of other features.
E-challan app scam hits Android users: How to stay safe
The Indian government has issued a warning to Android users about a sophisticated malware campaign.
Karnataka drafts policy to ban social media for under-16s
The Karnataka government has introduced a draft policy to tackle the mental health effects of excessive screen time among school students.
WhatsApp's voice message player to get Liquid Glass look
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will bring the Liquid Glass design to its voice message player.
'Hasn't coded in months': OpenAI co-founder admits struggle with AI-boom
Andrej Karpathy, an OpenAI co-founder and independent AI researcher, has opened up about his struggles with the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI).
WhatsApp will soon offer automatic message deletion after reading
WhatsApp is working on a new feature called "After reading" that will let users choose to have their messages automatically deleted after being read.
WhatsApp for iOS to automatically translate messages across 21 languages
WhatsApp is working on a new feature for iPhone users that will automatically translate messages across 21 languages.
Google Messages finally rolls out this long-overdue feature
Google has updated its Messages app to include a new feature: live location sharing.
Instagram, TikTok worse for mental health than WhatsApp, Facebook: Study
A recent study published in the World Happiness Report has revealed that social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be more detrimental to mental health than Facebook and WhatsApp.
WhatsApp will soon filter background noise during your calls
WhatsApp is developing a new feature to improve voice and video calls by automatically filtering out background noise.
WhatsApp now available on Garmin smartwatches
WhatsApp has launched a dedicated app for select Garmin smartwatches.
LPG crisis: Delhi Police warns about scammers posing as suppliers
The Delhi Police have issued a warning about a rise in cyber fraud targeting residents with fake LPG booking messages, and malicious mobile applications.
Picsart now lets you 'hire' AI agents for various tasks
Picsart, the popular AI-powered design platform, has launched an innovative AI agent marketplace.
WhatsApp now lets you chat with people without an account
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called 'guest chats,' allowing users to communicate with people who do not have a WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp to show status updates in chats
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will display status updates at the top of the Chats tab.
Your Instagram DMs won't be end-to-end encrypted from May
Meta has announced that it will be discontinuing the end-to-end encryption (E2EE) feature for Instagram DMs.
Meta disables 150,000 scam accounts in international crackdown
Meta has disabled over 150,000 accounts as part of a massive international operation against Southeast Asian criminal scam centers.
WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for users under 13
WhatsApp has announced the launch of a new feature, 'parent-managed' accounts, for users under 13 years of age.
WhatsApp and Facebook get new scam detection tools
Meta has announced the launch of new scam detection tools across its platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
WhatsApp may soon charge you to chat with Meta AI
WhatsApp is said to be developing paid subscription plans for its Meta AI tool.
WhatsApp now shows you forward count for channel updates
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature in its latest beta update for Android, version 2.26.10.3.
Russia hacking WhatsApp, Signal accounts of Dutch government officials
The Dutch intelligence agencies have warned about a global cyber campaign launched by Russia-backed hackers.
WhatsApp to bring sleek new chat bubble design to Android
WhatsApp has released a new beta version for Android, 2.26.10.2, via the Google Play Beta Program.
WhatsApp opens platform to rival AI chatbots in Brazil
Meta is now allowing rival artificial intelligence (AI) companies to offer their chatbots on WhatsApp to Brazilian users for a fee.
Create your emojis using these AI apps
In the digital age, it's easier than ever to create personalized emojis with the help of AI-powered apps.
Meta opens WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots in Europe
Meta has announced its plan to allow rival artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on WhatsApp in Europe, but at a cost.
WhatsApp working on a paid subscription with extra features
WhatsApp is said to be working on a new optional subscription plan called WhatsApp Plus.
TikTok refuses to encrypt DMs, cites risks to minors
TikTok has announced that it will not be adding end-to-end encryption to its direct messages (DMs).
WhatsApp will soon let you pin up to 20 chats
WhatsApp is working on a new premium feature that will allow users to pin up to 20 chats.
What SIM binding really means for your phone
From March 1, popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and others have to comply with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)'s SIM-binding rule.
You can now see WhatsApp statuses from unsaved numbers
WhatsApp is offering a new feature that will allow users to share their status updates with people they have recently interacted with, if the person posting has added them as a contact.
WhatsApp to let you manage chat history with Meta AI
WhatsApp has rolled out a new beta update for Android, version 2.26.9.4, through the Google Play Beta Program.
WhatsApp logout every 6 hours? Know India's new SIM rules
India's government has confirmed a new set of regulations for messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Will ads be banned on WhatsApp in India till 2031?
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to Meta proposing a five-year advertising ban on its messaging platform, WhatsApp.