Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a new feature called Channels which will allow the admin to share the information through text, videos, stickers and polls. The announcement was made by the company on Thursday, which will enable the user to receive updates from people within the community.The feature called Channels will be available under a new tab called Updates on WhatsApp which will the user will be able to find the channels they follow. This will be separate from the other chats.How Channels in WhatsApp will workThe platform claimed to be developing a searchable directory where users may choose channels based on their interests, favourite sports teams, and other criteria. According to a statement from WhatsApp, users can also join a channel by clicking on invite links that are delivered by chat, email, or online posting.WhatsApp commitment towards user safety, the subscribers will not see your phone number or the admin of the channels contact information. Your contact information wont be shown to the admin or other followers if you are following a channel.Regarding the duration of updates, WhatsApp channels have another crucial aspect. The channel history will only be accessible for a maximum of 30 days. Admins of the channel will have the option to prohibit screenshots.To give admins more control, WhatsApp announced that it will let them choose who can subscribe to their channel and whether or not they want it to appear in the search directory. However, the channels are not by default end-to-end encrypted.In Singapore and Colombia, where channels will be accessible, WhatsApp is currently collaborating with eminent international speakers and select organisations. Over the next months, it will also be made available in India and other nations.
