WhatsApp has started rolling out parent-managed accounts to help families use the messaging platform safely for children under 13 (or the local minimum age). These accounts allow parents or guardians to control their child’s WhatsApp experience while keeping personal conversations private and encrypted. Continue reading “WhatsApp rolls out Parent-managed accounts for pre-teens”
WhatsApp today introduced a chat-based option for users in India to buy and renew life insurance policies. Several insurers are now using the messaging platform to provide policy-related services, reducing the need for branch visits, paperwork, or multiple online portals. Continue reading “WhatsApp rolls out chat-based insurance services with major insurers in India”
WhatsApp has introduced Group Message History, a feature that allows new members to view recent messages when joining a group, providing context without disrupting ongoing conversations. Continue reading “WhatsApp rolls out Group Message History across devices for new members”
WhatsApp is rolling out voice and video calling support on WhatsApp Web, allowing users to place calls directly from a browser without installing a desktop app. First spotted by WABetaInfo, the feature is currently limited to users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program and begins with support for individual chats. Continue reading “WhatsApp adds calling support to its web client for beta users”
The European Commission has informed Meta of its preliminary view that the company may have breached EU antitrust rules by excluding third-party artificial intelligence (AI) assistants from WhatsApp. The move escalates an investigation launched in late 2025 and could lead to interim measures aimed at preventing potential harm to competition while the broader probe continues. Continue reading “EU Commission cautions Meta over blocking third-party AI assistants on WhatsApp”
WhatsApp has announced a new privacy-focused feature called Strict Account Settings, designed for users who may face a higher risk of targeted cyberattacks. While the platform already offers default end-to-end encryption for messages and calls, WhatsApp says certain users—such as journalists and public-facing individuals—may require stronger safeguards against rare but sophisticated threats. Continue reading “WhatsApp rolls out Strict Account Settings for enhanced privacy”
WhatsApp has announced new updates to its group chat experience, introducing features that focus on identity clarity, message expression, and event coordination. The additions include member tags, text-based stickers, and enhanced event reminder controls, designed to work across devices regardless of platform. Continue reading “WhatsApp adds member tags, text stickers, and event reminders to group chats”
WhatsApp has released a set of New Year-themed features for 2026 as the platform prepares for its highest-usage day of the year. The New Year period consistently records the largest volume of messaging and calling activity on the service as users connect with friends and family across regions and time zones. Continue reading “WhatsApp adds New Year 2026 stickers, video call effects, and Status animations”
WhatsApp has released a holiday update with multiple new features. The update includes missed call messages, voice chat reactions, group call speaker spotlight, Meta AI image improvements, animated photos, a new desktop media tab, cleaner link previews, new Status stickers, and questions on Channels. Continue reading “WhatsApp rolls out missed call messages, voice chat reactions and more”
WhatsApp has reintroduced its ‘About’ feature, one of the app’s first functions. The feature is updated to be more visible, timely, and interactive, allowing users to share their status using emojis and short phrases with adjustable timers. Continue reading “WhatsApp updates About with emojis, phrases, and timers”
WhatsApp has rolled out a new app for Apple Watch, introducing a complete messaging experience directly on the wrist. The Meta-owned platform said the update allows users to stay connected and manage chats without needing to use their iPhone. Continue reading “WhatsApp launches Apple Watch app with full messaging support”
WhatsApp has introduced passkey-encrypted backups, adding a new security option for users who store chat data on Google Drive or iCloud. The update builds on the platform’s existing end-to-end encryption system, which already protects messages, media, and calls between users. Continue reading “WhatsApp adds passkey-encrypted backups for added security”
Meta has announced a range of new anti-scam tools and awareness initiatives across WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram, aimed at helping users — particularly senior citizens — stay safe from online fraud and cyber scams. Continue reading “Meta expands anti-scam tools across its apps to protect seniors online”
WhatsApp is preparing to introduce usernames, allowing users to connect without relying on phone numbers. Since its 2009 launch, WhatsApp has required phone numbers for registration and contact discovery. The new username system aims to modernize the platform, similar to competitors like Telegram. Continue reading “WhatsApp tests username reservation feature in Android beta”
Meta announced an update to its Privacy Policy targeting personalized ads. The company announced that it will start using users’ interaction with Meta AI on its platform to show more targeted and personalized ads. Meta will notify people about this update via in-product notifications and emails on October 7, 2025, before it goes into effect on December 16, 2025.
Continue reading “Meta to use AI user interactions for personalized Ads”
