Meta launches private broadcast tool ‘Channels’ on WhatsApp

Meta Platforms on Thursday launched the WhatsApp Channels, which it said will be the “most private broadcast messaging product”. WhatsApp Channels will enable the users of the instant messaging application to receive updates from people and organisations within the app.

The feature will be initially rolled out to users in Singapore and Colombia, while a global launch is scheduled later this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a statement.

A channel admin’s phone number won’t be shown to followers, and following a channel won’t show that to the admin or others following the channel either, he said.

“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. We’re just getting started with Channels. And I can’t wait to bring this to everyone later this year,” said Zuckerberg.

WhatsApp will build a new tab called Updates, where users will be able to see the statuses and channels that they have followed. This will be separate from chats with friends, family, and communities.

Channels, as per Meta, is a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls.

“To help you select channels to follow, we’re building a searchable directory where you can find your hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials, and more. You can also get to a channel from invite links sent in chats, e-mail, or posted online,” as per Meta.

Since the aim of Channels is to reach a wider audience, they are not end-to-end encrypted, said Meta. But it is exploring end-to-end encryption for non-profit or health organisations, and others.

Meta said there is also “an opportunity to support admins” with a way for them to build a business around their channel using its expanding payment services as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to help increase awareness.