WhatsApp recently introduced its Channels feature. It is an Instagram-inspired feature that lets celebrities and personalities deliver updates to their followers right within WhatsApp. Now, the chat company is rolling out a new feature in response to legal requirements in certain countries that necessitate the platform to restrict access to specific content.
According to WaBetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.9 update, available on the Google Play Store, includes a feature that notifies channel creators about the status of their channels, especially when they are restricted in specific countries. This feature is designed to keep creators informed and is in compliance with legal regulations.
“These alerts aim to keep channel creators informed about the status of their channels in specific countries where they might be restricted due to legal requirements,” writes the report. Users with phone numbers associated with those countries will no longer be able to access or follow the channel. This feature is already available to some beta testers and will gradually roll out to more users in the coming days.
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WaBetaInfo in the 2.23.20.6 Android update also spotted a Reply feature for Channels. It is expected to come soon to the stable version. With this feature, users will see a reply indicator alongside the reaction bubble to show the number of responses a particular channel update has received.
WhatsApp launched the Channels feature recently. Meta Chief Mark Zuckerberg announced the roll out of Channels in more than 150 countries including India. The announcement was made through his official WhatsApp channel. Channels is a one-way broadcast tool that allows users to send messages to a large audience right within WhatsApp.
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