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    Whatsapp

    WhatsApp is a free to download messenger app for smartphones that uses the internet to send messages, images, audio or video. WhatsApp, founded by former Yahoo employees, was acquired by social media giant Facebook in 2014. Today Whatsapp, commonly popular among youngsters, has over two billion users worldwide. WhatsApp’s popularity grew rapidly across the globe primarily because it was one of the first mobile apps to offer free, internet-based messaging. Instead of sending texts using cellular-data networks, with comparatively higher charges, WhatsApp primarily relies on a Wi-Fi connection to send and receive messages and calls for free. Which means, there is no fee to sign up, and no data plan allowances to worry about. Since the app is virtually free, it has enabled users globally to make international calls from anywhere at any time. To use WhatsApp one needs a compatible smartphone or tablet with a sim card, an internet connection, and a phone number. The app uses a phone number as its username, and an account is locked to the phone. However, users can transfer contacts over to new devices. You can also use Whatsapp on your desktop, by visiting the official Whatsapp website and downloading it to Mac or Windows. More

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    • WhatsApp, Telegram blocked in Russia, pushing millions towards state-backed alternative

      WhatsApp has effectively been erased from Russia’s internet, cutting off one of the country’s most widely used messaging platforms as the Kremlin accelerates its push towards state-controlled alternatives.

    • Russia moves to fully block WhatsApp, pushes users toward state-backed messaging app

      WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block its service as Moscow promotes a state-backed messaging app. The Kremlin says Meta must follow Russian laws for access to be restored.

    • WhatsApp is working on a Close Friends feature for Status updates: All you need to know

      WhatsApp is testing a Close Friends feature for Status updates that lets users share posts with selected contacts without changing privacy settings every time.

    • Explained: Controversy around WhatsApp, Meta and why Supreme Court gave 'take it or leave it' warning

      The dispute traces back to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update, which informed users that data could be shared with other Meta-owned companies for purposes such as operating and improving services.

    • WhatsApp may soon announce a paid subscription plan with exclusive features for select users

      WhatsApp may soon introduce a paid subscription plan that offers exclusive features such as extra chat pins, themes, and customisation options for power users.

    • WhatsApp publicly rebuts Elon Musk, says Meta cannot read user messages

      The company says chats remain end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to WhatsApp or Meta. Elon Musk, Telegram CEO have publicly claimed that WhatsApp chats aren't really safe.

    • Lawsuit claims Meta can see WhatsApp chats in breach of privacy

      In the lawsuit filed Friday in US District Court in San Francisco, the group of plaintiffs allege that Meta’s privacy claims are false

    • WhatsApp for iOS may soon suggest exact stickers through emojis in chats: Here’s how

      WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature for iPhone users that could automatically surface relevant stickers while typing. It will allow users to see a suitable sticker based on the typed emojis.

    • Hatsun Agro launches insider trading probe after 'inadvertent' WhatsApp leak of draft Q3 results

      The company said one of its key managerial personnel uploaded the draft figures to his WhatsApp status, which was seen by 19 people

    • How to spot a scammy New Year message on WhatsApp in 5 seconds

      New Year WhatsApp scams look like wishes but carry links, urgency, bad grammar, and fake rewards. Learn the fastest 5-second check to spot fraud before you click anything.

    • WhatsApp may soon let you edit Status photos using Meta AI inside the app

      WhatsApp is testing a new Meta AI-powered Status photo editor that lets users restyle and animate images directly inside the app. The feature, now spotted on iOS and Android beta, aims to make creative photo editing easier, faster, and accessible to everyday users without needing outside apps.

    • WhatsApp may soon offer interactive quizzes with your Channel followers

      WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature for Channels, which could allow admins to post quiz-based updates for followers. This will allow admins to create and share interactive multiple-choice quizzes, with the option to include images for each choice.

    • How to recover deleted WhatsApp chats even when backup is off

      Losing WhatsApp chats when backup is off can feel permanent, but some Android phones still store local chat files that may help you restore deleted messages. From checking your phone’s saved WhatsApp folder to using chat exports from contacts, here’s a simple, practical guide to recover important conversations even without cloud backup, and tips to avoid losing them again in the future.

    • How to hide your online status and last seen on WhatsApp

      Want more privacy on WhatsApp? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to hide your online status and last seen from contacts and strangers.

    • WhatsApp users face new threat as CERT-In flags attack that can hijack accounts without OTP

      CERT-In has warned WhatsApp users about a new attack that can hijack accounts without OTP by misusing the app’s device-linking feature.

    • AI markets raise fresh competition concerns, regulator coordination key: CCI chair Ravneet Kaur

      The CCI chairperson indicated that the regulator would be open to coordinating with other bodies such as the data protection board and so on.

    • Boss won’t stop texting on WhatsApp, so this developer built a smart way to read messages quietly

      Fed up with constant WhatsApp messages from his boss, a Reddit user built a clever tool that summarises messages using AI and avoids triggering blue ticks. Here’s how the project works and why it’s resonating online.

    • How to stop WhatsApp media from filling iPhone storage

      WhatsApp media can quickly fill up iPhone storage. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to stop photos and videos from auto-saving and free up space easily.

    • How to stop WhatsApp from saving photos automatically on your phone

      Tired of WhatsApp filling your gallery with unwanted photos? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to stop WhatsApp from saving images automatically.

    • WhatsApp rolls out big holiday update with missed call messages, AI image tools and new status features

      WhatsApp has rolled out a big holiday update packed with new features including missed call messages, AI-powered image creation, animated photos, cleaner link previews, new Status stickers, desktop media tabs and more. Here is a simple breakdown of every feature coming to the app.

    • Private telcos hail DoT’s ‘landmark’ SIM-binding mandate for WhatsApp, Telegram, others

      Currently, communication apps verify users only during initial setup through a one-time password (OTP).

    • After SIM-locking WhatsApp, Signal, DoT now asks smartphone makers to preinstall cybersecurity app on phones

      Sanchar Saathi, the app in question, is already available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, but installing it today is voluntary.

    • SIM binding in India: What it means for WhatsApp, Telegram users and why the government wants it

      India’s new SIM binding rule could change how WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps work. Here is a simple explainer on why the government wants apps to need an active SIM card and how this move may affect everyday users.

    • How to transfer your WhatsApp account to a new phone in 5 easy steps

      Learn how to transfer your WhatsApp account to a new phone in five easy steps. Follow this simple guide to move your chats, settings and account securely without losing any data.

    • 3.5 billion WhatsApp phone numbers allegedly visible online through flaw, but Meta says there was no breach

      Researchers from the University of Vienna reportedly scraped 3.5 billion WhatsApp phone numbers using a flaw in the Click to Chat feature, raising global privacy concerns. Meta, however, denies any data leak and says no non-public data was exposed. Here’s what happened, what researchers found, and how WhatsApp responded.

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