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WhatsApp Plus paid subscription in development: Custom themes, 20 chat pins and more
Technology | Mar 05, 2026, 06:43 PM ISTWhatsApp is testing a new WhatsApp Plus subscription plan with custom themes, up to 20 pinned chats, exclusive stickers and ringtones. Core features like messaging, voice and video calls will remain free for all users.
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WhatsApp SIM binding mandatory in India to curb cyber fraud: All you need to know
Technology | Mar 01, 2026, 06:46 PM ISTFrom March 1, 2026, SIM binding will become mandatory for WhatsApp users in India. The new rule requires accounts to stay linked to the physical SIM card to reduce cyber fraud and improve traceability.
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WhatsApp Web login issues reported; iPhone users affected
Technology | Feb 27, 2026, 10:15 AM ISTWhatsApp Web users are reporting login issues, with 25 outage complaints on Downdetector. Most problems relate to website access. iPhone users appear more affected, while the service is functioning normally for many Android users.
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WhatsApp testing feature to enforce SIM linkage rule in India: App may stop working
Technology | Feb 24, 2026, 12:18 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Feb 23, 2026, 05:38 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Feb 20, 2026, 02:33 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Feb 16, 2026, 01:13 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Feb 14, 2026, 04:18 PM ISTI4C 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 | Feb 13, 2026, 01:24 PM ISTRussia 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 | Feb 12, 2026, 07:17 PM ISTTruecaller’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 | Feb 12, 2026, 11:06 AM ISTAfter 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 | Feb 12, 2026, 10:17 AM ISTThis 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 | Feb 10, 2026, 11:35 AM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Feb 08, 2026, 04:54 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Feb 03, 2026, 02:24 PM ISTThe 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 | Jan 29, 2026, 05:06 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Jan 27, 2026, 11:17 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Jan 27, 2026, 08:41 PM ISTWhatsApp 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 | Jan 27, 2026, 05:28 PM ISTElon 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 | Jan 21, 2026, 10:32 PM ISTWhatsApp 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.