Whatsapp

WhatsApp is testing its username reservation feature that enables users to pre-book their preferred identifiers before launch. The phased rollout is aimed at ensuring fairness, privacy, and a smooth user experience. WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to reserve their desired usernames ahead of the official rollout. This early reservation system aims to give users the ability to secure their preferred identifiers before the feature becomes publicly available—eliminating the rush and competition for popular names at launch. The development was first reported by WABetaInfo, based on the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.28.12. The upcoming username feature aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance privacy by reducing reliance on phone numbers for contact identification. The system reportedly integrates a matching key mechanism designed to decouple user identity from their mobile number—offering a more private and flexible communication experience. Phased Rollout and Early Access The username reservation process is expected to roll out in phases, allowing users to secure their desired names during an early-access period. Those who reserve their usernames early will automatically retain them when the full username system launches. This phased deployment will enable WhatsApp to monitor technical performance, gauge user demand, and ensure system

Synopsis Umar Khalid's lawyer told a Delhi court he was accused in the 2020 riots conspiracy due to a WhatsApp group membership. Other individuals at a related meeting were not charged. Khalid's counsel argued he even tried to de-escalate the situation. The court will hear further arguments on October 14. Khalid is accused under UAPA. ANI Delhi riots larger conspiracy case: Umar Khalid made an accused for being member of WhatsApp group, argues his counsel Umar Khalid was made an accused in the North East Delhi riots 2020 larger conspiracy case by virtue of being a member of a WhatsApp group, his counsel told the Karkardooma Court in Delhi on Thursday. He added that other persons who were present during the same meeting have not been named as accused by the Delhi Police. These submissions were made before the court during arguments on the charge. Umar Khalid is an accused under UAPA over the alleged conspiracy of the North East Delhi riots of 2020. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai, after hearing the submissions, listed the matter for further arguments on October 14. During arguments, Senior Advocate Tridip Pais, representing Khalid, contended that Umar Khalid has been made an accused

Oct 09, 2025, 11:48:24 AM IST 1 / 5 A fraud that starts with a friendly message Scammers pose as customer service executives or bank officials on WhatsApp. They trick victims into sharing their phone screens under the guise of resolving an issue. Getty Images 2 / 5 One click gives them full access to your phone Once screen sharing starts, the fraudster can view every activity in real time. They can watch as you open banking apps, type passwords or read OTPs aloud. Getty Images 3 / 5 Your financial and personal data gets exposed instantly During the mirrored session, all sensitive details on your screen are visible to them. This includes UPI PINs, account details, debit card info and private messages. Getty Images 4 / 5 Hidden tracking apps make the scam harder to detect In some cases, victims are guided to download remote-access or key-logging apps. These tools silently record keystrokes and transmit them to fraudsters later. Getty Images 5 / 5 Simple precautions can protect you from big losses Never share your screen or download apps on someone’s instruction over WhatsApp. Verify caller identities, block suspicious numbers and report fraud immediately. Getty Images

Police Scotland probe officers' historical social media messages Image source, PA Media Image caption, Police Scotland is investigating messages allegedly sent by now senior police officers Author, Katie Hunter Role, BBC Scotland 2 hours ago Historical phone messages and social media posts - allegedly sent by now senior police officers - have been reported to Police Scotland. One WhatsApp message, seen by BBC Scotland News, sent between officers' personal phones appears to show a picture of a suspect being arrested in 2019 along with laughing emojis and a crude message. It is understood the force is also investigating claims of a now disbanded WhatsApp group involving police officers called "Porn, Porn, Porn" in 2017. Police Scotland said all reports of misconduct were taken seriously and thoroughly investigated but it would not comment on matters relating to individual officers. Warning: This article contains language people might find offensive. In 2024, 11 police officers – either constable or sergeant in rank - were suspended or placed on restricted duties after a series of historical WhatsApp chats were uncovered by Police Scotland. BBC Scotland News has been told that police officers who are now in more senior positions have previously sent similarly offensive

Published on: Oct 08, 2025 11:08 am IST WhatsApp now lets iPhone users translate messages in 21 languages directly within chats. Here’s how to enable this feature and check availability.  WhatsApp has introduced an in-app translation feature for iOS users, allowing messages to be translated into 21 different languages directly within chats. The feature, which is part of the latest iOS update, is gradually rolling out to users through the App Store. Android users already have access to similar functionality, with ongoing updates expanding language coverage. WhatsApp now lets iOS users translate messages in 21 languages directly within the app.(Pexels) How the New Translation Feature Works The new translation feature is available in WhatsApp for iOS version 25.28.74, as reported by WABetaInfo. Once users update to this version, the translation option becomes active automatically. The app uses Apple’s built-in translation APIs to process text securely and efficiently. It can detect the language of an incoming message automatically, while also giving users the option to manually choose the source language if the system’s detection is inaccurate. This flexibility helps ensure that message translations remain precise. Also read: AI models now capable of passing toughest CFA exam, study shows Available Languages and

Alex Patrick Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... Subscribers can listen to this article The City of Johannesburg’s minority coalition appeared to unravel after six of the 10 parties left their WhatsApp group. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber? Sign in Next on News24 Joburg coalition effectively collapses after parties’ WhatsApp exit 4h ago Show Comments ( ) Audiobook of the Month Free to listen for subscribers News24’s free audiobook for last month, The Shadow State by Jeff Wicks, was so popular that its availability has been extended for another month. LISTEN NOW Got a confidential tip? News24 launches new tech to protect whistleblowers From the Gupta Leaks to Eskom Files, whistleblowers remain at the forefront of News24’s intensive investigative work. Find Out More Game On! GAME ON! Can you ace them all? Take a break from the news with today’s

... WhatsApp. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin. Stay updated on the latest news ... WhatsApp application without the need to download a separate application.

At long last, WhatsApp is stepping into the future with username support, letting users safeguard their privacy by reserving unique handles.

Welcome back—I’m home (and alive) after the madness of Token2049 in Singapore, which we will get to shortly. This week our focus is on India. The country is WhatsApp’s largest market when it comes to users, but there’s a local rebellion that’s gradually gaining momentum. Arattai, a homegrown messaging platform from software giant Zoho, crossed 7.5 million downloads last week as figures in India clamour for a local alternative to the Meta-owned chat app. New signups jumped from around 3,000 per day to more than 300,000. Arattai, which means ‘casual chat’ in Tamil, is not exactly new. It was first launched in 2021, but its profile is on the rise after it was endorsed by senior government officials and India’s venture capital community. Zoho itself is a unique company. It produces software for businesses and bootstrapped itself to revenues of more than $1 billion per year, as of 2022 , with offices across India, the US, Europe and other parts of Asia. Like other Zoho products, Arattai comes packed with features. It leans on WhatsApp and Telegram for basic messaging, and includes Slack-like features, video calling and more. The appeal is simple: data sovereignty. That’s a topic that is gaining

WhatsApp is testing a new threaded reply feature to organize and simplify conversations, especially in group chats. · The feature, currently in beta ( ...