Observed Signal · Aug 15, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WhatsApp Adds Group Calls, Status Viewer; Russia Blocks VoIP
WhatsApp introduced new group-call features, including scheduling in the Calls tab, automatic start notifications, and interactive elements such as hand-raising and reactions to ease moderation of meetings. The Status area gains a viewer view, showing who last saw a status and who can see it, with privacy controls like 'Only share with...'. WhatsApp emphasises that end-to-end encryption protects these features. The report also covers Russia’s move to block VoIP calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing misuse and signaling plans for a national Messenger MAX, which is to be preinstalled on new devices. MAX reportedly had over two million users, while Russia's WhatsApp users number around 96 million monthly active accounts and Telegram roughly 89 million. Open dialogue from WhatsApp stresses commitment to secure communications despite government pressure. Global context includes other country-level access restrictions to messaging platforms.
Major platform feature release from a leading messaging platform (Meta) with geopolitical implications.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- WhatsApp introduced scheduling for group calls with invitations, automatic start notifications, and in-call hand-raise and reactions.
- Status viewer feature will show who last viewed a status and who can see it, with privacy controls like 'Only share with...'.
- WhatsApp states the new features remain end-to-end encrypted.
- Russia blocks VoIP calls on WhatsApp and Telegram; Roskomnadsor cites misuse and aims to push a national messenger MAX.
- MAX had over two million users; in Russia, WhatsApp has ~96 million MAU and Telegram ~89 million MAU.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
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WhatsApp adds three group chat features including @all
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