WhatsApp is developing guest talks: chat without app, account, or complications
WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is testing a new feature called "guest chat" that allows users to invite people without the app or account to chat with them via a secure web-based interface. The feature, currently in beta testing, could potentially expand WhatsApp's user base and offer a lightweight, privacy-preserving bridge between WhatsApp users and non-users.
Key Features of Guest Chat
The guest chat feature for non-users offers several key advantages:
- No App Installation or Account Needed: Users can chat with guests without requiring them to download the app or create an account.
- End-to-End Encrypted Messaging: All messages are encrypted end-to-end, ensuring privacy and security.
- Text-Only Chat: The feature currently supports one-on-one text messages only, with no support for media such as photos, videos, GIFs, voice notes, or calls.
- One-On-One Chats Only: Guest chats are limited to one-on-one conversations, with no support for group chats.
- No Data Storage: All chat sessions disappear once ended, and no data is stored for guests.
Potential Applications
The guest chat feature could find applications in various scenarios, such as:
- Event Coordination: Organisers can quickly send invite links to participants who may not have WhatsApp, enabling instant, secure communication without requiring app downloads.
- Customer Support: Businesses can provide customer chat support to users without forcing them to install WhatsApp or create accounts, reducing friction.
- Helplines: Helpline services can use guest chats to communicate confidentially with individuals seeking assistance.
- Feedback Collection: Companies can gather user feedback or conduct surveys through guest chats by sharing invite links.
While the guest chat feature does not provide anonymity for the user who initiates the chat, it could offer partial anonymity to the guest. However, it's important to note that the user's profile and number are visible to the guest in a guest chat.
As the guest chat feature is still under testing, it remains to be seen when it will be officially released. The feature was spotted in Android beta version 2.25.22.13, indicating that it is being actively developed.
[1] https://www.whatsapp.com/guest-chat/ [2] https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/2/23581932/whatsapp-guest-chat-feature-android-beta-test [3] https://www.wired.com/story/whatsapp-guest-chat-feature-privacy/ [4] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/feb/04/whatsapp-guest-chat-feature-privacy-security [5] https://www.engadget.com/whatsapp-guest-chat-feature-149113880.html
- Technology advances in WhatsApp's guest chat feature enable privacy-preserving communication, as all messages are encrypted end-to-end and no data is stored for guests, offering a potential solution for event coordination, customer support, helplines, and feedback collection.
- In the realm of gadgets and technology, WhatsApp's guest chat feature, a web-based interface allowing communication with non-users, might revolutionize the way businesses, organizations, and helplines operate, providing a lightweight, secure bridge without the need for app installation or account creation.
