WhatsApp Channels Feature challenge to Frum community

 The question many are asking is this beginning of the end for the frum WhatsApp community?

What was considered a clean and safe

Messaging app for the frum community has now changed as WhatsApp shifts to be like all social media by adding a channels feature with a global search option like other apps such as telegram. Over the next few days this feature will be available to all Whatsapp users.

The company announced "we’re excited to launch WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries and deliver a private way to receive updates that matter to you. We’re welcoming thousands of organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders that people can follow, right within WhatsApp".

What is the problem?

 Whatsapp used to be a clean and simple app but now it's getting disgusting with the ability to  search for and join channels with shmutz and filth. You can't as of now op out or delete this new function. Kosher phone filter companies are  facing an uphill battle trying to find a solution to block or disable the channels feature. Tech Industry are calling on users to contact whatsapp directly and letting them know how the new channels is a danger to our community. Others are suggesting leaving and going to other messaging apps such as Signal.

An article on LinkedIn by the ceo of safetelecom:

The introduction of this feature presents a significant challenge for the Orthodox Jewish community and communities with similar values and sensitivities. Traditionally, WhatsApp has served as a reliable platform for simple and private communication among community members, allowing them to maintain a digital space in line with their cultural and religious values.

However, the advent of "Channels" introduces an element of unpredictability and exposure to potentially offensive content. This feature enables unknown individuals and entities to broadcast messages and content to a wider audience, regardless of personal connections or shared contact numbers. As a result, community members may find themselves inadvertently exposed to content that contradicts their traditional values and religious principles.

Furthermore, parents within these communities may be concerned about the impact of this exposure on their children, whom they are diligently raising with a strong adherence to their cultural and religious values. The ability for children to easily access and encounter undesirable content on WhatsApp Channels is a genuine concern for parents striving to provide a safe and culturally appropriate digital environment for their families.

Safetelecom says out they are working on a solutuon that has the ability to block key functionalities related to WhatsApp Channels on select Pixel devices. This update will enable users to: Block Channel Discovery: Prevent the ability to search for new channels, ensuring a more controlled content environment.  Block Channel Viewing: Restrict access to view channel content, allowing users avoid viewing objectionable content. Block Channel Following: Limit the ability to follow channels, offering a higher degree of content control.

However there still remains no solution for most users and industry techs say any channel that is followed by an account before switching to a kosher phone may not be blocked in the future as of now.