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Tag: whatsapp news

  • WhatsApp scraps 15 May deadline for accepting privateness coverage phrases: Report

    Facebook-owned WhatsApp’s new privateness coverage was chargeable for many occasions in the previous few months. From the rise of different immediate messaging apps corresponding to Signal and Telegram to residents, usually, changing into extra conscious of how information privateness works.

    Now, WhatsApp has scrapped its 15 May deadline for customers to simply accept its controversial privateness coverage replace and stated not accepting the phrases won’t result in deletion of accounts.

    WhatsApp had confronted extreme backlash over consumer issues that information was being shared with dad or mum firm Facebook.

    A WhatsApp spokesperson stated that no accounts will likely be deleted on 15 May for not accepting the coverage replace. 

    “No accounts will be deleted on May 15 because of this update and no one in India will lose functionality of WhatsApp either. We will follow up with reminders to people over the next several weeks,” the spokesperson stated on Friday.

    “We’ve spent the last few months working to clear up confusion and misinformation. As a reminder, this update does not impact the privacy of personal messages for anyone. Our goal is to provide information about new options we are building that people will have, to message a business on WhatsApp, in the future,” the spokesperson acknowledged.

    The firm spokesperson added: “While the majority of users who have received the new terms of service have accepted them, we appreciate some people haven’t had the chance to do so yet.”

    WhatsApp’s privateness coverage: A fast recap

    WhatsApp’s privateness coverage is a set of phrases that enable the messaging platform to maintain account of and share consumer information with its dad or mum agency Facebook.

    However, the coverage impacts WhatsApp Business accounts and never the common WhatsApp accounts. The information that WhatsApp could have entry to consists of telephone numbers and transactional information. Check out the hyperlink under for a extra detailed clarification of what the privateness coverage is.

    Keep in thoughts that your non-public messages stay end-to-end encrypted and due to this fact are nonetheless safe, and can proceed to be, after WhatsApp’s new coverage comes into place.

    “The information we share with the other Facebook Companies includes your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data (for example, if you use Facebook Pay or Shops in WhatsApp), service-related information, information on how you interact with businesses when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address, and may include other information identified in the Privacy Policy section entitled ‘Information We Collect’ or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent,” WhatsApp stated in an FAQ web page.

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  • ‘Multiple vulnerabilities’: Cyber company cautions customers towards WhatsApp use

    New Delhi: Country’s cyber safety company has cautioned WhatsApp customers about sure vulnerabilities detected within the well-liked on the spot messaging app that might result in breach of delicate data.

    A “high” severity score advisory issued by the CERT-In or the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team mentioned the vulnerability has been detected in software program that has “WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business for Android prior to v2.21.4.18 and WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business for iOS prior to v2.21.32.”

    The CERT-In is the nationwide know-how arm to fight cyber assaults and guarding the Indian cyber house.

    “Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in WhatsApp applications which could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information on a targeted system,” the advisory mentioned.

    Describing the chance intimately, it mentioned that these vulnerabilities “exist in WhatsApp applications due to a cache configuration issue and missing bounds check within the audio decoding pipeline.”

    “Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information on a targeted system,” it mentioned.

    The advisory added that customers of the app (software) ought to replace the newest model of WhatsApp from Google Play retailer or iOS App Store to counter the vulnerability menace.

    This story has been printed from a wire company feed with out modifications to the textual content. Only the headline has been modified. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a legitimate e mail * Thank you for subscribing to our publication.

  • WhatsApp makes it simpler so as to add new sticker packs: All it’s essential to know

    WhatsApp has now made it simpler so as to add new stickers. You can now use deep hyperlinks or particular URL hyperlinks so as to add sticker packs that you could’t discover instantly. WabetaInfo reported that the messaging service lets you import and obtain sticker packs with out visiting the WhatsApp sticker retailer. There are occasions when you’ll be able to’t entry a sticker pack, so you should utilize the deep hyperlinks to obtain them simply.
    WhatsApp has launched a brand new COVID-19 vaccination consciousness oriented-sticker pack known as “Vaccines for All,” and it’s accessible for all of the iOS and Android WhatsApp customers. In case you continue to haven’t acquired this sticker pack, then you’ll be able to entry these from this deep hyperlink – wa.me/stickerpack/VaccinesForAll. Once you open this hyperlink in your cell phone, it is possible for you to to preview the brand new sticker pack after which add it to WhatsApp by tapping on the “Download” button.
    You then want to return, open any WhatsApp chat and go to the Sticker part. Here, you can find the brand new Vaccine stickers. At the second, there is no such thing as a info on how these deep hyperlinks are generated. As no possibility is seen to create these hyperlinks, it appears solely builders can create them and anybody can share with their contact. The cited supply additionally asserts that the deep hyperlinks will be copy-pasted in any WhatsApp chats.
    The good factor is one can use these deep hyperlinks to obtain regional sticker packs. The latter are particular sticker packs which can be made accessible in particular nations and for particular occasions. “These sticker packs are unavailable for all other countries, normally. Using a Deep Link you can download and import them into your sticker library,” WaBetaInfo reported.
    Interested customers may also obtain stickers designed for companies. The new deep hyperlinks assist the most recent secure model of WhatsApp, so just remember to are utilizing the most recent model of the messaging app. Besides, WhatsApp can also be quickly anticipated so as to add assist for a number of units, and a ‘Large media preview’ function.

  • WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram went down: Here’s what the corporate has to say

    WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook suffered an outage in India and worldwide on Friday night time. A whole lot of customers have been unable to ship or obtain messages. Some customers additionally reported that they didn’t even log in to WhatsApp Web. As per Downdetector, the difficulty began at round 10:40PM in India and prevented WhatsApp customers from sending or receiving messages on the service for greater than an hour. Though, WhatsApp is claiming that the service was solely down for 49 minutes.
    While the corporate didn’t reveal the precise cause, it did assert that there was a technical difficulty. “Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have trouble accessing some Facebook services. We resolved this issue for everyone, and we apologize for any inconvenience,” a Facebook spokesperson advised Indian Express.
    Apart from WhatsApp, each Facebook and Instagram have been additionally not working for a lot of customers. According to fashionable downtime reporting service, greater than 28,500 individuals reported points with Instagram and over 34,127 customers have been witnessing issues with WhatsApp.
    The cited supply means that over 49 % of WhatsApp customers have been dealing with connection difficulty, 48 % individuals have been unable to ship or obtain messages on the platform and a couple of % weren’t in a position to log in.
    Downdetector confirmed that round 57 % Facebook customers reported about complete blackout and 29 % weren’t even in a position to entry the social media app. Around 66 % of Instagram customers weren’t in a position to entry News Feed in addition to its official web site. In case you aren’t conscious, Downdetector is a website that displays outages by collating standing reviews from customers and another sources.
    Besides, this isn’t the primary time that the providers have been impacted. In December 2020, WhatsApp went down alongside Instagram and Facebook for a number of hours, earlier than the providers have been restored.

  • Switching to Signal or Telegram? You will miss these WhatsApp options

    WhatsApp has already began sending notifications to customers asking them to simply accept the brand new privateness coverage. The new phrases, which was purported to roll out in February, will come into impact on May 15. WhatsApp prolonged the date to offer customers extra time to know and settle for the brand new privateness coverage and reiterated that every one the non-public chats will stay end-to-end encrypted and nobody will have the ability to entry them.
    When you work together with small companies on WhatsApp, solely these messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted. The firm is saying that solely these kind of chats can be used for business functions. If you might be nonetheless planning to modify to Signal or Telegram, then try the WhatsApp options that you just would possibly miss on different messaging apps.

    Storage Management instrument
    WhatsApp is a go-to messaging app for a lot of Indian customers and loads of pictures or movies are shared on the platform every day. At the second, you may be having 1000’s of WhatsApp pictures in your telephone’s gallery, which you would possibly discover tough to delete as that may want time and additional effort.
    The app’s storage administration part allows you to test how a lot area your WhatsApp pictures or movies have occupied. There can be a devoted part to assist clear the space for storing at a a lot sooner tempo. It shows recordsdata which are bigger than 5MB. You additionally get to test all of the forwarded pictures, movies, and recordsdata despatched by every particular person. The instrument additionally offers you the choice to delete them. The instrument is hidden within the Settings part > Storage and information > Manage storage.
    Simple person interface (UI), loads of updates
    WhatsApp has the best person interface and one will discover loads of options on this messaging app, which is why individuals love to make use of this app. The second you open the app, you get the Chats, Status and Calls part. You can rapidly place a name or add a Status. There can be a search bar on the high, which turns out to be useful whenever you wish to instantly seek for a message or another content material. Most of the necessary options are instantly seen and also you don’t must take further effort to seek out any one in every of them. WhatsApp retains rolling out loads of updates for an improved and handy expertise.
    Instant group name choice, assist for 8 customers
    The prompt group name characteristic is one more characteristic that you just would possibly miss as Telegram doesn’t provide assist for group voice or video calling and you may solely make one-on-one calls. Though, the corporate has promised that it’s going to provide this feature too sooner or later. The group and one-on-one chats, and calls are end-to-end encrypted on WhatsApp and Signal, however Telegram’s common chats will not be end-to-end encrypted.

    Payments
    There is not any Payment characteristic on Telegram or Signal and in case you are utilizing WhatsApp’s Payment characteristic, then you definitely would possibly miss this characteristic too. The messaging app lets you simply ship or obtain cash to associates or members of the family. The funds choice is situated in any individual’s chat window. Once you open a chat, simply go to the attachment part and faucet on the funds choice. If you might be utilizing it for the primary time, then you may be requested to arrange your checking account.
    Picture in Picture mode (PiP)
    Signal doesn’t provide assist for Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which you get on Telegram and WhatsApp. In case you might be unaware, the characteristic lets you play shared movies within the messaging app even whereas chatting with somebody. The PiP mode helps movies from widespread platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. On Signal, you’ll have to shut the app to observe a video on YouTube.

  • WhatsApp this week: Make voice & video calls from desktop, mute movies, extra

    WhatsApp continually retains updating its app to offer customers with seamless functioning whereas chatting and even throughout voice or movies calls. And with that, the Facebook-owned messaging app is again within the information for a contemporary spherical of options for its 2-billion plus customers worldwide. From voice and video name help lastly rolling out on WhatsApp Web to having the ability to mute movies earlier than importing on chat or tales, WhatsApp launched a plethora of options this week. Here is a lowdown on the newest options of WhatsApp this week in secure or beta releases: -Voice and video calling function on desktop app: The greatest replace this wek from WhatsApp needs to be voice and video calling lastly approaching its dektop model. WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encrypted voice and video requires its desktop app model and in addition shared a hyperlink to obtain the app in your laptop. You can allow the brand new WhatsApp function by downloading the desktop app from right here. WhatsApp stated its practically five-year-old desktop app for Mac and Windows will solely help one-to-one requires now, however that will probably be increasing this function to incorporate group voice and video calls “sooner or later.” Read extra. -Disable learn receipts for voice messages: WhatsApp’s ‘Read Receipt’ function earlier by no means had the choice to disable the ‘blue ticks’ from voice messages despatched on particular person chats. Despite the learn receipts being disabled, the voice notes despatched over private chats don’t help the function of blue ticks tuned off. So, each time you ship a voice clip over, it is possible for you to to see its ticks flip blue as soon as the receiver hears it. However, it now appears to have enabled the choice to disable ‘Blue ticks’ visibility for voice messages too, at the very least for iOS customers. Users can now have the ability to change off the learn receipts that notify the sender of whether or not you’ve got listened to the audio despatched by them or not. To use the brand new function a consumer must go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy. Read extra. -Mute movies earlier than importing on tales, chats: This new WhatsApp function primarily permits you to mute movies earlier than sharing it as your WhatsApp standing or sending it to different chats. The function could be accessed from the video modifying display when one shares a video with one other contact. However, it’s at present accessible solely on Android. Users will have the ability to see a quantity icon on the video modifying display to mute the video. It is out there together with different video modifying choices akin to trimming, including textual content and so forth. Read extra. -Redesigned media footer for Android customers: WhatsApp is testing a brand new media footer within the beta model of the Android software. According to a report by WABetaInfo, a web site that tracks new options and updates on the beta model of the appliance, model 2.21.5.4 reveals a redesigned media footer. A media footer could be discovered on the underside of web page earlier than sending any photos or movies or another media. The media button icon has been modified to replicate a brand new icon. Earlier variations of the appliance used ‘+’ image. The re-designed bar additionally reveals up when a consumer posts a standing on the app. In phrases of performance within the app, there doesn’t appear to be any adjustments other than the design of the UI. Read extra. -Multiple-device help: Although it has been within the information for a very long time, WhatsApp can be reportedly engaged on a a number of system function. The function will enable the WhatsApp account holder to entry the identical account from completely different gadgets, with out the necessity to have the first related to the web. Currently, customers can solely entry the providers of the platform through WhatsApp Web. However, the first system wants to remain related to the web to ensure that it to operate correctly. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a legitimate e-mail * Thank you for subscribing to our publication.

  • WhatsApp: How to make use of two completely different accounts on one cellphone

    WhatsApp continues to be utilized by a lot of folks in India and is a go-to app for messaging and video or voice calls. There are individuals who wish to use two completely different WhatsApp accounts on one cellphone, however are unable to do this. Those who’ve a twin SIM cellphone should select one quantity to make use of WhatsApp as there isn’t a choice to have a WhatsApp account with two cellphone numbers.
    If customers attempt to ceaselessly change their WhatsApp account between completely different gadgets, then their cell quantity could also be blocked from re-verifying the account. So, in case you can’t repeatedly change between completely different gadgets and numbers, how will you use two completely different WhatsApp accounts on a single cellphone?
    There is a simple method to make use of twin WhatsApp apps on a tool and for this, you simply have to observe a number of easy steps. These days, loads of telephones supply a parallel app function, which may create a reproduction app of the one you need. Every smartphone from completely different manufacturers has the identical function, however with a special title. Read on to know extra about this.

    Smartphones that supply parallel app-like function
    Samsung telephones: Dual MessengerXiaomi: Dual AppsRealme: Clone AppsOnePlus: Parallel AppsOppo: Clone AppsVivo: App CloneAsus: Twin Apps
    If you’re utilizing a cellphone from one among these manufacturers then you can see the duplicate app function within the talked about title as every firm has a special label for a similar function. Using this function, you may create a reproduction app of any supported-apps after which use them with completely different accounts on the identical cellphone. Now, let’s check out how one can allow it.

    How to make use of twin WhatsApp apps on one cellphone?
    Step 1: Go to the settings part of your cellphone.
    Step 2: As we’re utilizing a OnePlus cellphone, we typed “Parallel Apps” within the search bar.
    Step 3: Once you discover the function within the settings, faucet on it after which your machine will show apps that help the parallel app function.
    Step 4: Tap on on WhatsApp after which a reproduction WhatsApp will probably be created in your cellphone. You can then check in or enroll.

  • WhatsApp multi-device function noticed on iOS: All it’s essential know

    WhatsApp is quickly anticipated so as to add multi-device help. The function has already been noticed on the Android model and now it has made an look on the iOS beta model too. In case you’re unaware, the multi-device help signifies that a consumer will be capable of use a single WhatsApp account on 4 units concurrently. Currently, you’re restricted to only one gadget for one WhatsApp account.
    WaBetaInfo has posted a video displaying how iOS customers will be capable of unlink any gadget from the primary WhatsApp account. For this, customers will get a logout choice, which will likely be current in Settings > Account tab. The beta model at present means that the ‘Delete My Account’ choice will likely be changed with ‘Log Out.’ Though, there’s a chance that the logout choice will likely be accessible within the Linked Devices part within the ultimate construct.

    If you’re an iOS beta tester, then you possibly can do that function in 2.21.30.16 beta replace. The cited supply says that WhatsApp Web customers will quickly be capable of use the messaging app even when their main cellphone just isn’t linked to the web and is switched off. Currently, in case you are utilizing WhatsApp Web in your laptop computer or desktop, you require your cellphone to be linked to the web.

    Once the multi-device function is rolled out, WhatsApp customers will be capable of run the app independently on 4 completely different units. WaBetaInfo reported that “this limit might change in future and this type doesn’t require an active Internet connection on the main phone as well.” As of now, there isn’t a phrase on when the multi-device function will roll out with an upcoming date. But, the corporate is quickly anticipated to launch it.

  • Signal vs WhatsApp: A have a look at 5 privateness options

    WhatsApp is without doubt one of the most beloved and extensively used messaging apps in India, however the firm was lately below fireplace for its new privateness coverage. Due to privateness considerations, a number of individuals switched to Signal even when WhatsApp reiterated that each one the chats are encrypted and can’t be accessed by it or Facebook.
    Signal is a personal messaging app, which doesn’t simply provide end-to-end encryption, but in addition presents privacy-oriented options and collects minimal person information. Here’s a fast have a look at 5 privateness options supplied by each the messaging apps.
    Signal privateness options
    Screen Security: The app ensures which you could block others from taking screenshots of a chat. There is a function known as Screen Security, which prevents screenshots of all chats. You can allow it by heading to the Settings part > Privacy > Screen Security. While one can click on footage of a chat from every other machine, Screen Security remains to be a great function, which any personal messaging app ought to provide to its customers.
    Incognito Keyboard: This is a good function, which doesn’t permit your keyboard to save lots of what you might be typing. The firm says when you allow the Incognito keyboard, your cell “keyboard may stop learning from the input you type. Entries may not be remembered by your keyboard’s dictionary to be used later for autocomplete or as a suggestion.” For this, you simply have to open the app, go to Settings part > Privacy > allow Incognito Keyboard.

    Screen lock: You can set fingerprint lock on Signal, similar to WhatsApp. Users can use their cellphone’s fingerprint sensor or passcode to entry the app. However, do observe that each one the incoming calls on Signal can nonetheless be answered and one can reply to messages within the notifications panel.
    Read receipts: Similar to WhatsApp, Signal has an choice to disable or allow Read Receipts, which principally lets if somebody has seen or not the messages. The messaging app additionally presents a function to activate or off typing indicators, which means you possibly can disable the choice to indicate when a message is being typed. Both the options can be found within the privateness part of the app.
    Group invitation privateness: If you create a gaggle in Signal, all your mates can’t be added robotically to the group. Once you enter the title of the individuals you wish to create with, Signal sends an invitation and they should settle for the invite to affix the group. On WhatsApp, that is solely potential while you change settings to “My Contacts except.” This is for who can add you to WhatsApp teams.

    WhatsApp privateness options
    Fingerprint lock: WhatsApp means that you can add a fingerprint lock to the app, in order that solely you possibly can entry your personal messages. To allow this function, you simply want to go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock. This privateness function in WhatsApp doesn’t block your calls and solely hides your incoming messages. The platform means that you can activate present content material in notifications if you need to preview message textual content inside new message notifications.
    Group invitation system: Anyone on WhatsApp can add you to group if the individual has your cell quantity. If you don’t need anybody so as to add you in teams, then you possibly can change the settings. The messaging app means that you can management who can add them to teams. For this, you get three choices, together with ‘Everyone,’ ‘My Contacts,’ and ‘My Contacts Except.’ The second choice signifies that the contacts you may have in your cellphone tackle ebook can add you to teams and the third one means not each contact can add you to a gaggle. In this case, you’re going to get an invite for becoming a member of the group.

    Profile privateness: WhatsApp offers you the facility to regulate what particulars you share with others in your private profile. You can disguise your profile image from ‘everyone’ or out of your contacts. Though, you don’t have the choice to decide on as to who amongst your contacts can test your profile picture.
    Last Seen privateness: Just like profile privateness, WhatsApp permits you to disguise your final seen, and Statuses as properly. For Last Seen, you get the identical choices as talked about for profile privateness.
    Status privateness: For Status privateness, there are three choices as to who can see your Status updates. These embody ‘My Contact,’ ‘My Contacts except,’ and ‘Only Share with.’

  • HC seeks Centre’s stand on PIL towards new WhatsApp privateness coverage

    The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response of the Centre on a plea difficult the brand new privateness coverage of social networking platform WhatsApp.
    A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh issued discover to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and WhatsApp looking for their stand on the plea by March.
    The petitioners, Seema Singh and Meghan Singh, have contended that the brand new privateness coverage signifies the “fissures” in Indian information safety and privateness legal guidelines.