WhatsApp, the widely used instant messaging app under Meta’s ownership, is gearing up to introduce a business indicator feature. This new indicator is designed to appear in chats with specific businesses that have advertised on Facebook and Instagram, enhancing transparency in user interactions.
The recent WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.15 update reveals that the app is working on introducing indicators that clearly signal when certain business chats collaborate with Meta, as reported by WABetaInfo.
A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo displays new arrow indicators that inform users when certain business chats may share limited information with Meta to improve the user experience during specific interactions within the conversation.
Certain business accounts have been utilizing services from Meta for a while to offer advanced solutions to their users. WhatsApp’s objective is to make this collaboration more transparent to its users by adding a message event to the conversation, along with an introduction screen.
The report suggests that the new indicator may initially be visible in chats with businesses that have advertised on Facebook and Instagram and when the Click-To-WhatsApp button is present. However, there’s potential for it to appear in other contexts, such as when users provide feedback about a business or engage with a promotional offer.
Whenever a business chat shares limited information with Meta, the Meta-owned app will always notify users in the conversation, making it clear that Meta may receive some data. Importantly, user interaction with these businesses remains entirely optional.
It’s worth noting that the introduction of this indicator in certain business chats does not imply that Meta can read the content of shared messages. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption for chats with small and medium-sized businesses ensures that only the participants in the conversation have access to the messages.
Messages exchanged with businesses using cloud providers are further protected by a secure service, whether from Meta or external companies. However, it’s essential for users to inquire about the privacy practices adopted by businesses, as these may vary.
WhatsApp’s commitment to transparency and user choice is evident in this new feature, which aims to enhance user confidence in their interactions with businesses while maintaining data privacy and security.