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WhatsApp Pilots 'Guest Chats' for Account‑Free, Encrypted Conversations

The limited beta lets invitees join encrypted browser sessions via links without creating an account.

Overview

  • The test is rolling out to selected Android and iOS beta users, and WhatsApp has not given a date for a wider release.
  • Invitation links sent by SMS or email open WhatsApp Web in a browser for one‑on‑one chats that use temporary identifiers and end‑to‑end encryption.
  • Guests can send only text messages and receive no notifications, with media sharing, voice or video calls, and group chats not supported.
  • Guest sessions are clearly labeled for WhatsApp users, invitees can be blocked, and chats automatically expire after ten days of inactivity.
  • Guest identities are not verified, so links can be forwarded or opened by unintended recipients, a trade‑off noted as Meta faces EU Digital Markets Act pressure to broaden access.