WhatsApp channels: the tool that is only available in Colombia and Singapore

WhatsApp channels are now available for users of this instant messaging application in Colombia. This new feature opens a new door to keep users updated with information on news, topics, personalities or organizations that are of interest.

According to the instant messaging brand, Colombia and Singapore are the first countries where the tool will be available.

You may be interested in: DIAN 2022 Competition: Results of those admitted to compete are already published

“To kick off the channels, we are pleased to work with leading international voices and select organizations in Colombia and Singapore, where the channels will be available first, to create, learn and adapt the experience”, WhatsApp informed.

It also assures that in the coming months, the channels will be available in more countries so that anyone can create their channel.

These are the WhatsApp channels

WhatsApp channels are available in Colombia for users and brand managers who want to venture into the new tool of the application.

It is a one-way transmission tool, through which administrators can send content such as photos, videos, text and stickers. In addition, they will be able to apply polls to their followers.

To make an analogy, WhatsApp channels can be likened to a personalized TV channel, in which users can follow their favorite sports teams or keep up to date on political and economic news.

Privacy in WhatsApp channels

The privacy of personal information is an increasingly important issue for people, for this reason, companies and institutions have implemented strategies to protect personal data.

However, through different mechanisms, some companies and institutions obtain the authorization of personal data for commercial purposes without the citizen being aware of it.

You may also be interested in: More than 4,500 job offers in Bogota: inclusive job fair to be held this August 3

At the same time, citizens are increasingly responsible and aware of the importance and value of their personal information, so the instant messaging brand ensures that the innovation of WhatsApp channels does not compromise users’ personal information.

As it is a technology that allows one-way transmission, WhatsApp channel administrators will not be able to access users’ sensitive information and vice versa.

When the user follows a channel, he/she will not be able to see the administrator’s phone number, nor will the information of other followers be revealed to him/her.

As for channel administrators, WhatsApp states that users will not have access to their profile picture or phone number, so it claims that it is a private broadcasting service.

Likewise, the application points out that the information of the channels will only be stored for 30 days on its servers. They also indicate that the developers of WhatsApp channels are working to make the news last less time on users’ devices.

In addition, administrators will be able to block two options: taking screenshots and forwarding content from the channel. Likewise, the application will allow them to decide who they want to follow their channel and if they are interested in the channel appearing in the directory that WhatsApp provides to its users.

Because the goal of the channels is to have a wide reach, the application warns that at the moment the messages are not end-to-end encrypted in the default settings.

If you are interested in learning about this tool, you should keep the WhatsApp application on your cell phone updated. Automatically, but without specifying when it may appear, you will see the ‘What’s New’ tab where you will find WhatsApp channels.

Keep reading: Commercial war between the United States and China: could these powers break off their commercial relations?