The Meta CEO has revealed when all WhatsApp users can expect the feature to be rolled out to them.
Meta CEO
Mark Zuckerberg has announced a new, Twitter-like feature for the US tech conglomerate's service
WhatsApp.
Titled 'WhatsApp Channels', the feature will enable users to privately within the app follow people and organisations from whom they wish to get updates. The news comes as many
Twitter users have grown frustrated with the Elon Musk-owned social media company in recent months, partly due to the introduction of verification fees.
In a video post to Facebook, Zuckerberg explained that WhatsApp Channels are separate from personal chats and that they will show up on a new updates tab.
"Over time, you're going to be able to find all of the channels that you want to follow," he said.
"This is WhatsApp so we're building channels to be the most private way to communicate. "
According to the Meta CEO, the phone numbers of channel admins will not be shown to followers. Meanwhile, if you are following a channel, this information will not be shared with the admin or others in the channel.
"One of WhatsApp's core principles is to not store your messages. That's why channel updates will only be available for 30 days with no permanent record," Zuckerberg said.
"In the future, when you create a channel, you'll have the choice whether anyone can follow you or if you want to be hidden or approve requests.
"We're also working on end-to-end encrypted channels for organisations or individuals that are trying to reach limited audiences."
WhatsApp Channels will be rolled out first in Colombia and Singapore, but Zuckerberg added that he will be bringing the feature to everyone "later this year".
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