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  WhatsApp testing feature to enforce SIM linkage rule in India: App may stop working

  Technology | February 24, 2026 12:18 IST

  WhatsApp is working with Indian authorities to comply with the SIM Linkage Rule. Soon, the app may stop functioning on phones without an active SIM. Beta testing is underway to introduce SIM-based verification and background validation for added security.

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  WhatsApp could soon add more control to how you send messages

  Technology | February 23, 2026 17:38 IST

  WhatsApp is testing a scheduled messages feature that lets users set a date and time for automatic delivery. The feature will work in individual and group chats and is expected to roll out soon.

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  WhatsApp brings Group Chat History Sharing: New members can check previous chat

  Technology | February 20, 2026 14:33 IST

  WhatsApp has rolled out a new group message history feature that allows admins and members to share up to 100 previous messages with newly added participants. The update is globally available for Android and iOS users and maintains end-to-end encryption for privacy.

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  WhatsApp brings major updates for Status to enhance user engagement

  Technology | February 16, 2026 13:13 IST

  WhatsApp has released Android beta version 2.26.6.9, testing a new feature that shows Status updates in the top app bar within the Chats tab. The feature is currently under development and available only to beta users.

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  8th Pay Commission WhatsApp scam: I4C warns government employees against malicious APK files

  Technology | February 14, 2026 16:18 IST

  I4C has warned government employees about a WhatsApp scam claiming to calculate salaries under the 8th Pay Commission. Fraudsters are sending malicious APK files to gain access to phones and drain bank accounts.

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  After WhatsApp, Russia bans Telegram over security and legal concerns

  Technology | February 13, 2026 13:24 IST

  Russia has banned Telegram after previously blocking WhatsApp, citing national security and data safety concerns. The regulator Roskomnadzor said the ban will remain until Telegram complies with local laws. The app was also fined 64 million rubles for failing to remove banned content.

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  Truecaller India reported over 4100 crore spam calls in 2025

  Technology | February 12, 2026 19:17 IST

  Truecaller’s India Insights Report 2025 reveals Indians received over 4,168 crore spam calls and 12,903 crore spam messages last year. The company identified 770 crore fraud calls and warned about new AI-based scam trends emerging in 2026.

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  Explained: Why WhatsApp is banned in Russia and what role the new MAX App plays in this

  Explainers | February 12, 2026 11:06 IST

  After banning WhatsApp and restricting other messaging apps, Russian authorities are promoting the state-backed MAX app as a national alternative. The platform offers messaging and government services but raises concerns over data sharing and encryption.

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  Russia blocks WhatsApp, Telegram in bid to 'promote' state-owned social media platforms

  World | February 12, 2026 10:17 IST

  This came after Moscow warned several internet platforms that they could face slowdowns or even be blocked if they do not follow Russian laws. These rules demand that data on Russian users is stored within the country.

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  WhatsApp Web gets Voice and Video calling support for select users: How to use?

  Technology | February 10, 2026 11:35 IST

  WhatsApp has reportedly begun rolling out voice and video calling support on WhatsApp Web for select beta users. The feature includes end-to-end encrypted calls and screen sharing, allowing users to make calls directly from a browser without installing the desktop app.

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  WhatsApp may soon introduce ‘Close Friends’ status feature: Here’s how it could work

  Technology | February 08, 2026 16:54 IST

  WhatsApp is reportedly testing a Close Friends Status feature that will let users share updates with a selected group of contacts. The feature was spotted in Android beta and could roll out to users in the future.

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  You can’t play with citizens’ privacy in the name of data sharing: SC to WhatsApp, Meta

  Technology | February 03, 2026 14:24 IST

  The Supreme Court has warned WhatsApp and Meta that citizens’ right to privacy cannot be compromised under the guise of data sharing, delivering a strong message on user data protection.

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  WhatsApp may launch paid subscription plan with exclusive stickers, themes and extra chat pins

  Technology | January 29, 2026 17:06 IST

  WhatsApp is developing an optional subscription plan to unlock exclusive personalisation and productivity features such as premium stickers, new themes, and additional chat pinning. The paid plan is still under development, and will not affect core messaging or user privacy.

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  WhatsApp rolls out ‘Strict Account Settings’ for stronger protection with one tap

  Technology | January 27, 2026 23:17 IST

  WhatsApp has introduced a new ‘Strict Account Settings’ feature to protect users from advanced cyberattacks. Here’s how it works, who it’s for, and how to enable it.

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  WhatsApp may soon go paid: Meta tests subscription feature that could change how you use the app

  Technology | January 27, 2026 20:41 IST

  WhatsApp may no longer stay completely free. Meta is testing a paid, ad-free subscription model for WhatsApp Status, raising concerns among millions of users worldwide.

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  Elon Musk sparks privacy debate, calls WhatsApp ‘not secure’ as lawsuit targets Meta

  Technology | January 27, 2026 17:28 IST

  Elon Musk has raised concerns over WhatsApp’s security after a new lawsuit accused Meta of misleading users about message privacy. WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart has strongly denied the claims.

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  WhatsApp testing a new switch to let users try upcoming features without joining beta

  Technology | January 21, 2026 22:32 IST

  WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to try under-development features without enrolling in the official beta program. Here’s how it works and who can access it.

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  WhatsApp GIFs are changing: New provider and bigger GIF grid spotted

  Technology | January 19, 2026 15:17 IST

  WhatsApp is set to change how users share GIFs from July 2026 as it replaces Tenor with Klipy. The update also introduces a larger GIF keyboard layout for faster searches.

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  WhatsApp working on profile cover photos for iOS devices: How will it work?

  Technology | January 10, 2026 18:19 IST

  WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new profile cover photo feature for iOS users, allowing them to add a banner-style image above their profile picture. The feature, already available for WhatsApp Business accounts and spotted in iOS beta builds, could soon roll out to regular users.

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  WhatsApp rolls out Member Tags, Text Stickers and Event Reminders for Group Chats: How to use?

  Technology | January 08, 2026 11:13 IST

  WhatsApp has announced a new set of features to make group chats more organised and expressive. These include Member Tags to define a user’s role in a group, Text Stickers that turn words into stickers instantly, and improved Event Reminders to help users stay on schedule.