WhatsApp is testing the new Guest Chats feature with a select group of users on iOS and Android, making it clear that guests don’t need to install the app or register a phone number.

Guest Chats represent a new alternative while also raising security and identity management challenges. Test users only need to go to the “Invite a friend” section or through their contact list. Once there, “the user generates a personalized link that they can send via SMS, email, or any other messaging app. The recipient simply has to open the link in their browser, where they can choose between downloading WhatsApp or continuing as a guest without an account.”

If you select the guest option, WhatsApp Web generates a unique identifier for the user, which serves as the basis for end-to-end encryption of the conversation. The guest enters a name (which can be real or a pseudonym) and accepts the Terms of Service. At that point, they can see the phone number of the person who sent the invitation, which is an important privacy consideration.

The guest link only lasts 10 days; it expires if not used, cannot be reused, and a new link must be created. Furthermore, guests can only send text messages; they cannot send or receive photos, videos, documents, GIFs, stickers, voice messages, or participate in calls or groups.

It is important to note that all conversations remain end-to-end encrypted and can be verified using a QR code or by manually checking security codes, just like in any WhatsApp chat.

Among the limitations and security considerations is the lack of guest verification, meaning that if the link falls into the wrong hands, an unauthorized person could access the chat. Hence, the need to share the links generated by the app only with trusted individuals and avoid insecure channels.

On the other hand, Guest Chats “are not compatible with the Code Verify extension, which guarantees that the WhatsApp Web code has not been tampered with,” which is a concern for those who prioritize maximum digital security.

M.Pino

Source: infobae

(Reference image source: lonely blue on Unsplash)

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