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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]
2 clusters · 91 sources · 1 days · First seen · Last updated
WhatsApp guest calling feature launch
Overview
WhatsApp has launched a “guest calling” feature that enables individuals to participate in voice and video calls via a web browser without requiring a registered account or the mobile application. Registered users can initiate these calls by generating invitation links via the Calls tab to be shared through various messaging services or email.
To ensure security, the system utilizes end-to-end encryption and requires guests to enter a virtual waiting room where they must be manually approved by the call host. Hosts retain full control, including the ability to remove participants at any time. The feature supports both individual and group calls for up to 32 participants. While guests can utilize tools such as screen sharing, emoji reactions, and hand-raising, they are restricted from viewing other participants' phone numbers, sending text messages, or inviting new members to the call.
The service is free, has no time limits, and maintains end-to-end encryption. Meta intends to expand the professional utility of this feature by releasing integrations with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook later this year, allowing users to embed call links directly into digital calendar invites to better compete with platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.
Entities
WhatsApp · Google · Google Calendar · Gmail · Outlook
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] WhatsApp has introduced a guest calling feature that allows individuals without a registered account to join voice and video calls.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guests join via a web browser using an invitation link and must be approved by the host from a waiting room.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guests cannot view other participants' phone numbers, send text messages, or invite additional members.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guests can use features such as screen sharing, the 'raise hand' function, and specific emoji reactions.
- [● 3 SOURCES] WhatsApp is developing a calendar plugin to allow call link generation within Google and Outlook calendars later this year.
- [● 3 SOURCES] WhatsApp has introduced a guest function allowing people without an account to join calls.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guests access calls via an invitation link through a supported web browser.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The call organizer must approve a guest's request to join the call.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guests can participate in individual or group calls, share screens, use a hand-raise function, and use reaction symbols.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guests are restricted from starting calls, sending messages, or adding other participants.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The phone numbers of other call participants remain hidden from guests.
- [● 3 SOURCES] WhatsApp plans to introduce extensions for Google and Outlook calendars later this year.
Timeline
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[TECHNOLOGY] 82 sourcesWhatsApp launches guest calling for users without accounts
WhatsApp has launched ‘guest calling,’ enabling users to invite non-account holders to encrypted voice and video calls via web browser links, supporting up to 32 participants.
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[TECHNOLOGY] 13 sourcesWhatsApp enables account-free calls via web links
WhatsApp enables account-free calls via web links with end-to-end encryption, while the INE warns of phishing scams using fake institutional identities.
Sources
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This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history