WhatsApp: The thing that bothers everyone is now on WhatsApp, and a separate feature has been added for privacy..

WhatsApp has confirmed the launch of Status Ads and Promoted Channels globally. According to the company, ads will now appear in WhatsApp Status to help businesses reach new customers and start conversations directly within the app. Channels will also be promoted in the directory, allowing selected channels to reach more users.

The company clarified that personal chats, calls, and status updates will remain end-to-end encrypted and will not be used for targeted advertising. Ads will only appear in the Status and Channels sections, where users are already primed to discover new content. Businesses will be able to promote through text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. Under Promoted Channels, companies will be able to pay to have their channels featured higher in the directory.

If you don't see ads, you will have to pay.
To give users control, WhatsApp has also enabled users to block or hide ads from specific businesses. This will provide greater control over the content displayed in the Updates tab. In some regions, the company may also offer a subscription option for an ad-free experience, eliminating ads from statuses and channels. However, pricing and availability may vary by country and platform.

SIM Binding Rules Implemented
Meanwhile, new regulations have been implemented for messaging platforms in India. Under the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) SIM-binding directive, WhatsApp will be required to automatically log out every Indian user from WhatsApp Web every six hours.

This move was taken in light of national security concerns. The government has set a compliance deadline of February 28, 2026, and has clarified that no extensions will be granted.

Overall, while WhatsApp is opening up new business and advertising opportunities on its platform, it is also claiming to maintain personal privacy. It will be interesting to see how users adapt to these changes in the future.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.