WhatsApp Launches Channels In India And 150+ Other Countries, Featuring Indian Cricket Team And Leading Actors

On Wednesday, September 13, tech giant Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels – a one-way broadcast tool to privately receive updates from people and organisations that users choose, within the closed messaging service.

Among the celebrities and organisations from India whose channels were launched today are The Indian Cricket team, actors Katrina Kaif, Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, Vijay Deverakonda and singer Neha Kakkar. Jagran group’s internationally awarded and trusted fact-checking wing, Vishvas News is also part of the launch. It will bring its audiences the latest fact-checks, relevant videos and practices that help in leading a more secure, informed and disinformation-free life.

As BCCI launched its WhatsApp channel, its statement said “The Indian Cricket team is thrilled to partner with WhatsApp on the launch of Channels. We kick off our partnership with WhatsApp with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is set to begin in October. We will leverage Channels to generate excitement and support as India gets ready to host the marquee event after a decade-long wait. With WhatsApp Channels, fans will be aware of important and accurate information and news about match schedules, timings, scorecards etc. Get on WhatsApp channels and never miss out on updates from on and off the field.”

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif also seemed excited about this feature when she said, “I am delighted to collaborate with WhatsApp for the launch of WhatsApp Channels. This platform provides me with an exciting opportunity to connect with those who are interested in various aspects of my life, be it my work in the film industry or my ventures in the business world, all of which I am deeply passionate about. WhatsApp Channels serves as a personalized newsletter through which I can share insights and updates with my dedicated audience, fans, and all those who have consistently shown their support throughout my journey.”

Users can subscribe to channels without revealing their number or identifying information. The announcement from Meta described the service as “a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organisations, right within WhatsApp.”

Channels will be available in a new tab called Updates - where users will find Status and channels. The users have a choice to follow the channels they wish to - separate from chats with family, friends, and communities.

Channels are a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. “Our goal is to build the most private broadcast service available. This starts by protecting the personal information of both admins and followers. As a channel admin, your phone number and profile photo won’t be shown to followers. Likewise, following a channel won’t reveal your phone number to the admin or other followers. Who you decide to follow is your choice and it’s private,” the announcement said.

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Vishvas News will send out the latest fact-checks, and explainers in both video and multimedia formats as well as alerts to users to stay informed and safe from harmful misinformation.