WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, is rumoured to be developing a one-to-many tool in the form of a private newsletter feature.
There are hints of a “Newsletter” feature in the beta version of WhatsApp Messenger for Android 2.23.5.3, as reported by WABetaInfo. The feature is currently in the works, and it may be released in a future software update. As WABetaInfo put it, “we cannot say for sure that it is really called “Newsletter” as it seems a codename at the moment, but we can temporarily call it that way”.
WABetaInfo report claims that users will have full control over the content that is displayed to them through the use of the Newsletter feature. The report, however, didn’t disclose whether or not ads will be displayed nor will there be any sign of algorithm-based recommendations being built into the feature. The content should instead be displayed in reverse chronological order, based on the user’s preferences.
It appears the rumoured-feature will support handles, allowing WhatsApp users to browse and subscribe to newsletters by searching for a username directly within the app.
Newsletters will be a one-to-many tool for broadcasting information, and they appear to be a new and convenient way to receive updates from individual(s) whose contacts are not saved on your phone.
In contrast to regular chats, a user won’t be able to respond to messages that are broadcasted using this ‘upcoming feature’. As noted by WABEtaInfo, Whatsapp will not provide end-to-end encryption for newsletters that are distributed through it (E2EE). Given that this communication will be one-way, the absence of E2EE should not present any kind of security risk at all.
In essence, when you create or sign up for a newsletter your phone number will be private. Nobody else will be able to see which newsletters you are subscribed to, and vice versa.
WhatsApp’s group chats have a maximum of 1,024 participants, while Communities increases that number to 5,016. It’s adequate for private use, but not enough for businesses or content creators who want to expand their fan bases.
Your phone number is also visible in group chats and online communities, which poses a risk to your privacy. Such concerns will be handled should WhatsApp go ahead to introduce the Newsletter feature.
