Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched a new feature called 'Channels' on Wednesday, 13 September, which aims to create a simple and private way for people to receive important updates from people or organisations.
Channels on WhatsApp will provide one-way communication, where the admin or a single individual can send messages or updates to a large number of recipients.
The Quint's fact-checking arm WebQoof will also be having its WhatsApp channel where users can stay updated with the recent fact-checks and debunked content. You can join the channel by clicking on the link here.
The admin can send texts, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. This is similar to a person uploading a post on their social media accounts.
"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", the platform said in an announcement earlier in the year.
It also aims to create a private broadcast service. This means that details like the phone number or profile photo of the admins and the followers will be protected. Users can access the feature in a separate tab called 'Updates'.
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