• Source:JND
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META-OWNED WhatsApp has introduced a rich feature set for users across Android, iOS and Desktops in 2023. And going by information from a report, the company has announced its official chat. According to WABetaInfo, the account will help a user stay informed of the latest updates and changes taking place on the platform.

The official chat account is marked with a green badge to identify its legitimacy and ensure peace of mind for the user. Some 'random people' on Android and iOS have already received the first note discussing disappearing messages, the platform adds. At the moment, a user cannot make the first move. The account will be visible only after WhatsApp has initiated a conversation.

WhatsApp's official chat was under development for quite some time. The news provider announced the build information of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.17.10 on Google Play Store and WhatsApp beta for iOS 22.20.0.71 via TestFlight last year.

In the screengrab shared of the app, a prompt header reads, "Hi! This is an official account chat from WhatsApp." The initial line of the first message reads, "Make your message disappear," along with accompanying text and a "Learn more" button for further instructions.

The new chat account can be helpful to know improvements and new features along with tips to use the platform better. In addition, a user can archive or block the chat, the prompt mentions. Likewise, a verified profile will help avoid users falling into scams impersonating a similar account to an extent. However, we will have to wait and see what measures the company will take to tackle fake and shadow chat accounts to safeguard the users.

The first chat message may circulate to more users in future. However, no clear standards with respect to who will receive the first message are live. A user can only access the chat profile after they have received the first message from the official account.

The company might expand this to WhatsApp for Desktop in the coming days. The Desktop trials were first discovered by WABetaInfo in November last year. For context, WhatsApp is available in over 180 countries and is used by 2 billion plus people. The company promises end-to-end encrypted calls and messages on the platform.