A new update in WhatsApp will now allow you to operate the messaging app on four phones or devices at once. The Meta-owned messaging application is rolling out across the world and will begin operating soon. Earlier, only one account could be operated from one mobile. Although, one could still open WhatsApp web on a web browser or your laptop/computer. The announcement for the new feature was shared in a blog post by the company mentioning that this feature will allow users to seamlessly continue message threads and access all their photos and other media details from multiple devices without compromising on security or privacy. It said, "We're improving our multi-device offering further by introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones." This means that at a given time, you'll be able to link four devices to one WhatsApp account, however, the primary phone would retain&nbsp;the power to authorise the login credentials.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Messaging for the app has also been simplified&nbsp;by connecting phones as companion devices, implying&nbsp;a user can choose to swap between smartphones without signing out from his/her primary device and continue chatting from where they left his/her previously.&nbsp;

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🥁 Drumroll please... 
 
Now you can use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones 📱📞 ☎️ 📲 
 
Link up to 4 other devices to your account so you can easily switch between phones without signing out and pick your chats up right where you left off. <a href="https://t.co/Loqa30EgHk">pic.twitter.com/Loqa30EgHk</a>
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhatsApp/status/1650901059093639168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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WhatsApp Business in a tweet said, "A new way to better serve your customers just dropped Now you can enable up to 4 employees to connect to the same WhatsApp Business account, directly through their smartphones."

Here's your ultimate guide on how you can use WhatsApp on 4 different devices:

First, download the messaging app on your secondary phone. Open WhatsApp on the phone.&nbsp;

After opening the app, go to 'Settings.'

Select 'Linked Devices.'

After selecting this option, you'll see a bunch of instructions to verify your details. Follow those.

Use your primary phone's camera to scan the QR code from the secondary device.&nbsp;

As per media reports, soon instead of scanning a QR code, one can just enter the One Time Password (OTP) on their phone number to enable device linking.&nbsp;

But what if your primary phone is low on battery and switches off? Well, in this case, you don't need to worry as you can still access WhatsApp on a secondary phone. You can even do it if you don't have Internet access on the primary phone.&nbsp;

However, if the primary phone is "signed out," then all secondary devices will automatically be signed out.&nbsp;

This new feature will allow users to have a WhatsApp account on both, Android and iOS devices, and then can add a companion device, which can be an Android or an iOS device.&nbsp;

A new update in WhatsApp will now allow you to operate the messaging app on four phones or devices at once. The Meta-owned messaging application is rolling out across the world and will begin operating soon.

A new update in WhatsApp will now allow you to operate the messaging app on four phones or devices at once. The Meta-owned messaging application is rolling out across the world and will begin operating soon. Earlier, only one account could be operated from one mobile. Although, one could still open WhatsApp web on a web browser or your laptop/computer. The announcement for the new feature was shared in a blog post by the company mentioning that this feature will allow users to seamlessly continue message threads and access all their photos and other media details from multiple devices without compromising on security or privacy. It said, "We're improving our multi-device offering further by introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones." This means that at a given time, you'll be able to link four devices to one WhatsApp account, however, the primary phone would retain the power to authorise the login credentials. Messaging for the app has also been simplified by connecting phones as companion devices, implying a user can choose to swap between smartphones without signing out from his/her primary device and continue chatting from where they left his/her previously. 🥁 Drumroll please... Now you can use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones 📱📞 ☎️ 📲 Link up to 4 other devices to your account so you can easily switch between phones without signing out and pick your chats up right where you left off. pic.twitter.com/Loqa30EgHk — WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 25, 2023 × WhatsApp Business in a tweet said, "A new way to better serve your customers just dropped Now you can enable up to 4 employees to connect to the same WhatsApp Business account, directly through their smartphones." Here's your ultimate guide on how you can use WhatsApp on 4 different devices: First, download the messaging app on your secondary phone. Open WhatsApp on the phone. After opening the app, go to 'Settings.' Select 'Linked Devices.' After selecting this option, you'll see a bunch of instructions to verify your details. Follow those. Use your primary phone's camera to scan the QR code from the secondary device. As per media reports, soon instead of scanning a QR code, one can just enter the One Time Password (OTP) on their phone number to enable device linking. But what if your primary phone is low on battery and switches off? Well, in this case, you don't need to worry as you can still access WhatsApp on a secondary phone. You can even do it if you don't have Internet access on the primary phone. However, if the primary phone is "signed out," then all secondary devices will automatically be signed out. This new feature will allow users to have a WhatsApp account on both, Android and iOS devices, and then can add a companion device, which can be an Android or an iOS device.

Now you can link your WhatsApp account to 4 phones at once. Here's how

Ride-hailing company Uber has collaborated with Meta to book rides through WhatsApp in India.

The feature will initially be launched in Lucknow, the capital of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh, and then expanded to other locations by next year.

According to Nandini Maheshwari, senior director of business development for Uber, "We want to make it as easy as possible for all Indians to take an Uber trip, and to do that we need to meet them on platforms they are comfortable with."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-in-high-court-defends-it-rule-requiring-whatsapp-to-trace-originator-of-message-423152">Also read |&nbsp;Indian govt in high court defends IT rule requiring WhatsApp to trace originator of message</a>

WhatsApp's chat interface will be used by those looking for Uber ride where they will need to register to proceed further.

They can book a ride through either messaging to Uber's business account number, scanning a barcode, or clicking a link directly to open an Uber WhatsApp chat.

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Abhijit Bose, the head of WhatsApp India said, "The Uber experience on WhatsApp is simple, familiar, and relatable for users and has the potential to accelerate adoption of Uber with a new category of riders in India."

The first of its kind integration could help Uber tap into the more than 500 million user base of Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in India.

Uber has been operating in the Asian country for the past eight years and is now available in 70 cities. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ride-hailing company Uber has collaborated with Meta to book rides through WhatsApp in India. The feature will initially be launched in Lucknow, the capital of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh, and then expanded to other locations by next year.

Ride-hailing company Uber has collaborated with Meta to book rides through WhatsApp in India. The feature will initially be launched in Lucknow, the capital of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh, and then expanded to other locations by next year. According to Nandini Maheshwari, senior director of business development for Uber, "We want to make it as easy as possible for all Indians to take an Uber trip, and to do that we need to meet them on platforms they are comfortable with." Also read | Indian govt in high court defends IT rule requiring WhatsApp to trace originator of message WhatsApp's chat interface will be used by those looking for Uber ride where they will need to register to proceed further. They can book a ride through either messaging to Uber's business account number, scanning a barcode, or clicking a link directly to open an Uber WhatsApp chat. Also read | Facebook, Instagram stop working yet again; Twitterati open bag of memes Abhijit Bose, the head of WhatsApp India said, "The Uber experience on WhatsApp is simple, familiar, and relatable for users and has the potential to accelerate adoption of Uber with a new category of riders in India." The first of its kind integration could help Uber tap into the more than 500 million user base of Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in India. Uber has been operating in the Asian country for the past eight years and is now available in 70 cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Uber collaborates with Meta to book rides through WhatsApp in India

On May 19, the Indian government gave a final warning to WhatsApp.

Reports say India's ministry for Information technology has sent a letter to the company, which says that WhatsApp must withdraw the new policy.

“In fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government of India will consider various options available to it under laws in India,” the letter reads.

The company has been given seven days to respond else the Indian government says it will "consider various options available to it" under the Indian law. Earlier this month, WhatsApp relaxed its May 15 deadline to accept the new terms. Before that, the company also said that those who don't accept will lose functionality. Now, WhatsApp has tweaked its FAQs. It has given more time for users to accept the new rules.

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The latest version says: “No one will have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of WhatsApp on May 15 because of this update".

Around the world, there has been a massive pushback against WhatsApp's new privacy policy. At least 11 countries have asked Facebook, the company that owns WhatsApp to stop the data sharing policy. These countries are Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Brazil, United States, South Africa, Argentina, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/delhi-hc-issues-notice-on-facebook-whatsapp-pleas-challenging-order-on-new-privacy-policy-383212" hreflang="en">Delhi HC issues notice on Facebook, WhatsApp pleas challenging order on new privacy policy</a>

The bone of contention is the relationship between Facebook and WhatsApp and the kind of data the parent company can take from the application. The new policy dictates the rules on how users will interact with businesses on WhatsApp. WhatsApp maintains that all personal conversations will remain private. But in an earlier post on its website, WhatsApp had shared details about the kind of data it can share with Facebook.

This includes your name, phone number, information about your phone - the make and model and the company that made the phone, your IP address and any payments and financial transactions you made over WhatsApp. These rules don't apply in Europe because these countries have specific laws against this kind of data sharing.

Increasingly, data sharing is becoming worrying for governments around the world. In the US, critics of Facebook are calling it a monopoly. Lawmakers argue that the company is too powerful and should be broken up. India is conducting an investigation of its own. Earlier this year, the Competition Commission of India launched a probe into WhatsApp.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/whatsapp-delays-enforcing-new-privacy-terms-after-germany-halts-data-sharing-384614" hreflang="en">WhatsApp delays enforcing new privacy terms after Germany halts data sharing</a>

Referring specifically to the privacy policy, the Indian competition watchdog said WhatsApp's "take it or leave it policy" merits a detailed investigation. WhatsApp challenged this in the Delhi High Court but the judge refused to quash the probe.

This means WhatsApp and Facebook will face challenging times ahead and the privacy policy is just the beginning of the scrutiny.

On May 19, the Indian government gave a final warning to WhatsApp. Reports say India's ministry for Information technology has sent a letter to the company, which says that WhatsApp must withdraw the new policy.

On May 19, the Indian government gave a final warning to WhatsApp. Reports say India's ministry for Information technology has sent a letter to the company, which says that WhatsApp must withdraw the new policy. “In fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government of India will consider various options available to it under laws in India,” the letter reads. The company has been given seven days to respond else the Indian government says it will "consider various options available to it" under the Indian law. Earlier this month, WhatsApp relaxed its May 15 deadline to accept the new terms. Before that, the company also said that those who don't accept will lose functionality. Now, WhatsApp has tweaked its FAQs. It has given more time for users to accept the new rules. The latest version says: “No one will have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of WhatsApp on May 15 because of this update". Around the world, there has been a massive pushback against WhatsApp's new privacy policy. At least 11 countries have asked Facebook, the company that owns WhatsApp to stop the data sharing policy. These countries are Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Brazil, United States, South Africa, Argentina, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Also read: Delhi HC issues notice on Facebook, WhatsApp pleas challenging order on new privacy policy The bone of contention is the relationship between Facebook and WhatsApp and the kind of data the parent company can take from the application. The new policy dictates the rules on how users will interact with businesses on WhatsApp. WhatsApp maintains that all personal conversations will remain private. But in an earlier post on its website, WhatsApp had shared details about the kind of data it can share with Facebook. This includes your name, phone number, information about your phone - the make and model and the company that made the phone, your IP address and any payments and financial transactions you made over WhatsApp. These rules don't apply in Europe because these countries have specific laws against this kind of data sharing. Increasingly, data sharing is becoming worrying for governments around the world. In the US, critics of Facebook are calling it a monopoly. Lawmakers argue that the company is too powerful and should be broken up. India is conducting an investigation of its own. Earlier this year, the Competition Commission of India launched a probe into WhatsApp. Also read: WhatsApp delays enforcing new privacy terms after Germany halts data sharing Referring specifically to the privacy policy, the Indian competition watchdog said WhatsApp's "take it or leave it policy" merits a detailed investigation. WhatsApp challenged this in the Delhi High Court but the judge refused to quash the probe. This means WhatsApp and Facebook will face challenging times ahead and the privacy policy is just the beginning of the scrutiny.

India takes on WhatsApp with fresh warning against new data policy

In a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, India's ministry of electronics and information technology has expressed its "strong concerns" on the new privacy changes and asked the instant messaging app to "respect the date security of Indian users".&nbsp;

The IT ministry in the letter has asked Whatsapp to withdraw the proposed policy, slamming its "all or nothing" approach which "leverages the social significance of the app to force users into a bargain".

The policy announced earlier this month asked the social media company to agree to the new terms or lose access to accounts by February 8, sparking widespread concerns and criticism. Since Whatsapp is owned by Facebook, the letter called on the social media giant to "value the principles of privacy and consent" as laid down by the Indian Supreme Court in its judgment of Justice (retd) KS Puttaswamy vs union of India (2017).

The data sharing between Whatsapp and Facebook has been one key aspect of the concern. The Indian government's letter said that the new proposed policy ceases any "any meaningful distinction between WhatsApp and Facebook companies" and given the huge user base of both the companies in India, "consolidation of this sensitive information" exposes a "very large segment of Indian citizens" to "greater security risks and vulnerabilities creating a honeypot of information." Under such pressures, Whatsapp recently halted the rollout of its controversial privacy policy.

Interestingly, India has raised "strong objections" against "differential treatment" by WhatsApp to its users in India and in the European Union. While the new proposed WhatsApp policy was only for India, they remained unchanged for Europe. The letter said, "differential treatment is prejudicial to the interests of Indian users" and is viewed with "serious concern by the government"."

The Indian government has handed over a detailed questionnaire to the messaging app to get details about its data-sharing protocols and business practices. Questions included does WhatsApp conduct the profiling of Indian users, does the app capture information about other apps running on a mobile device. Here some of the key questions by the Indian govenment to Whatsapp:

1.Disclose the exact categories of data that WhatsApp application collects from Indian users.

2. Give details of the permissions and user consent sought by WhatsApp app and utility of each of these with respect to the functioning and specific service provided.

3. Does WhatsApp conduct profiling of Indian users on the basis of their usage of application? What nature of profiling is conducted?

4. Details of difference between WhatsApp privacy policies in other countries and India. 
&nbsp; 
5. Details of Data Security Policy, Information Security Policy, Cyber Security Policy, Privacy Policy and Encryption Policy.

6. Does WhatsApp app share data with any other app or business unit of the same company or associated companies? Share details of the data flow 
among these apps, business units or associated companies. 
&nbsp; 
7. Does the WhatsApp app capture the information about the other apps running on the mobile device of the user? If yes, what information is being captured by the app and what purpose is it being collected and used?

8. Details about the server when data of Indian users is transmitted or hosted. 
&nbsp; 
9. Has the company or application provided any access to a third party to access a user’s personal data? If yes, then share those details. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
10. Does the app harvest user data? Has the company faced any action in any country for surreptitiously harvesting user data?

In a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, India's ministry of electronics and information technology has expressed its "strong concerns" on the new privacy changes and asked the instant messaging app to "respect the date security of Indian users".

In a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, India's ministry of electronics and information technology has expressed its "strong concerns" on the new privacy changes and asked the instant messaging app to "respect the date security of Indian users". The IT ministry in the letter has asked Whatsapp to withdraw the proposed policy, slamming its "all or nothing" approach which "leverages the social significance of the app to force users into a bargain". The policy announced earlier this month asked the social media company to agree to the new terms or lose access to accounts by February 8, sparking widespread concerns and criticism. Since Whatsapp is owned by Facebook, the letter called on the social media giant to "value the principles of privacy and consent" as laid down by the Indian Supreme Court in its judgment of Justice (retd) KS Puttaswamy vs union of India (2017). The data sharing between Whatsapp and Facebook has been one key aspect of the concern. The Indian government's letter said that the new proposed policy ceases any "any meaningful distinction between WhatsApp and Facebook companies" and given the huge user base of both the companies in India, "consolidation of this sensitive information" exposes a "very large segment of Indian citizens" to "greater security risks and vulnerabilities creating a honeypot of information." Under such pressures, Whatsapp recently halted the rollout of its controversial privacy policy. Interestingly, India has raised "strong objections" against "differential treatment" by WhatsApp to its users in India and in the European Union. While the new proposed WhatsApp policy was only for India, they remained unchanged for Europe. The letter said, "differential treatment is prejudicial to the interests of Indian users" and is viewed with "serious concern by the government"." The Indian government has handed over a detailed questionnaire to the messaging app to get details about its data-sharing protocols and business practices. Questions included does WhatsApp conduct the profiling of Indian users, does the app capture information about other apps running on a mobile device. Here some of the key questions by the Indian govenment to Whatsapp: 1.Disclose the exact categories of data that WhatsApp application collects from Indian users. 2. Give details of the permissions and user consent sought by WhatsApp app and utility of each of these with respect to the functioning and specific service provided. 3. Does WhatsApp conduct profiling of Indian users on the basis of their usage of application? What nature of profiling is conducted? 4. Details of difference between WhatsApp privacy policies in other countries and India. 5. Details of Data Security Policy, Information Security Policy, Cyber Security Policy, Privacy Policy and Encryption Policy. 6. Does WhatsApp app share data with any other app or business unit of the same company or associated companies? Share details of the data flow among these apps, business units or associated companies. 7. Does the WhatsApp app capture the information about the other apps running on the mobile device of the user? If yes, what information is being captured by the app and what purpose is it being collected and used? 8. Details about the server when data of Indian users is transmitted or hosted. 9. Has the company or application provided any access to a third party to access a user’s personal data? If yes, then share those details. 10. Does the app harvest user data? Has the company faced any action in any country for surreptitiously harvesting user data?

India's IT ministry writes to Whatsapp; asks it to withdraw new policy