Meta is continuing to advance WhatsApp’s features by rolling out the "Guest Chats" function to a limited number of beta testers on iOS and Web platforms. This move aims to enable users to communicate with individuals who do not have WhatsApp accounts while maintaining high standards of security and privacy.
اضافة اعلان
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is currently being tested by users in the TestFlight program on iPhones and the Web beta version, following its initial appearance for Android beta testers last August.
How Do "Guest Chats" Work?
The feature allows a WhatsApp user to start a conversation with a non-user by generating a special invitation link via the "Invite a friend" option. This link can be shared via SMS or other applications.
Access: Upon clicking the link, the recipient is directed to a secure chat session hosted on WhatsApp Web, with no account registration required.
Security: WhatsApp generates a unique identifier for each session to create an encryption key. The conversation remains fully protected by End-to-End Encryption (E2EE), ensuring that only the participants can access the content.
Onboarding: The guest user must accept the terms of service and enter a display name before joining. A "Guest" badge will appear next to their temporary name, along with a notification stating they are "not registered on WhatsApp."
Limitations and Availability
As the feature is in its early beta stages, it currently has several functional restrictions:
No Multimedia/Tools: It does not support group chats, voice notes, file sharing, attachments, stickers, or GIFs.
No Calls: Voice and video calls are not available for guest sessions.
Auto-Expiration: Chats are set to expire automatically after 10 days of inactivity.
While "Guest Chats" are available to a limited pool of beta testers across iOS, Android, and Web, Meta has not yet revealed a specific timeline for the official global rollout. This feature is seen as a strategic step to attract new users, particularly in markets like the United States, where the app’s penetration is lower compared to other regions.
