WhatsApp has officially introduced its ‘Channels’ feature to users in Malaysia, paving the way for a new mode of digital communication. The feature, bearing a strong resemblance to Telegram’s channels, permits users to join different channels and receive updates via messages encompassing text, images, videos, stickers, and polls.
Channels can range across various fields, from governmental entities to sports teams, leveraging the feature to disseminate one-sided messages to followers. However, to maintain a clutter-free notification environment, channels will be muted by default, and users are required to manually unmute the ones they join to receive updates.
With this new feature, the pre-existing ‘Status’ tab on the messaging app has been replaced with an ‘Updates’ tab, though the status update feature remains accessible. The ‘Updates’ tab will also host a list of all the channels that a user follows.
The Channels feature offers an intuitive interface where users can browse updates in any channel prior to deciding to follow. Additionally, users can conveniently join channels via links shared across chats, emails, or online posts.
In terms of privacy, channel admins can view the name and profile picture of the followers but will not have access to their phone numbers. Regular users, on the other hand, will not have any visibility into other users’ information.
The Channels feature also includes a 30-day storage policy for messages sent through it, after which they are deleted. WhatsApp has confirmed collaboration with several local organisations, such as the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association, Malaysia Digital Economy Corp, and the Badminton World Federation, for early access to this feature. The Communications and Digital Ministry has created a channel as well.
Initially announced on June 8, this new development aims to bolster WhatsApp’s competitive edge in the digital communication landscape.
This report is based on the article published on thestar.com.my.
