WhatsApp's New Feature: Guest Chats Unveiled

WhatsApp Guest Chats: New Feature Brings New Risks to UAE Users

WhatsApp is soon to introduce a new feature that allows users to chat with people who do not have a WhatsApp account. Named Guest Chats, this innovation, although still in the development phase, raises significant cybersecurity concerns—especially in the technologically advanced and highly digitalized society of the UAE.

What do we know about the feature so far?

According to WABetaInfo, the Guest Chats option will be included in the next Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, which will link a WhatsApp user with an unregistered person via a link. Instead of a traditional registration, the conversation will be possible through a link generated and shared by one party.

Primarily developed for convenience, such as customer service interactions, one-time contacts, or business interactions, the ease of connection can also strengthen anonymity, which cyber attackers could easily exploit.

A new level of cyber attacks?

One of the main issues is that attackers can easily conceal their true identity since they don't need to register an account to reach WhatsApp users. This kind of anonymity creates an ideal environment for social engineering attacks and the spread of phishing links.

Through guest chats, attackers may be able to connect without leaving traces in the system. This can be particularly dangerous if the WhatsApp user fails to recognize the threat in time. In the UAE, where a significant portion of the population is digitally active and frequently uses messaging apps for business purposes, this phenomenon could pose a serious challenge.

Authentication and visibility: Who is talking to whom?

Current information suggests that only someone with a verified WhatsApp account can generate the guest chat link. The recipient, who is not registered on WhatsApp, will authenticate through the communication channel they receive.

The problem begins if the guest cannot see the sender's number or profile, making it uncertain whether they are speaking to the person they intend to. If the number and profile picture are visible, at least partial identification is possible, but the risk of misuse remains significant.

Prevention: What can users do?

Although WhatsApp already offers certain security settings, users need to be even more conscious with the introduction of guest chats.

1. Two-step verification: It's advisable to enable two-step verification for every WhatsApp account to prevent easy access to messages in the event of an attack.

2. Handle links carefully: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, especially if the sender cannot be identified.

3. Tighten privacy settings: It is recommended to restrict who can see the profile photo, status, and last active time. These can be set to be accessed only by those in your contact list.

4. Reporting and blocking: If suspicious activity is noticed, the user can report and block that contact.

5. Terminating guest connections: One of the most important defense possibilities would be if WhatsApp could introduce an option that allows users to manually terminate guest chats, similar to how other devices can be disconnected from the account.

Potential Benefits but Proceed with Caution

While the guest chat feature may initially seem practical, especially for corporate customer service or one-time communication needs, the risks are far from negligible. In the UAE, where digital security is increasingly emphasized, it is unsurprising that local experts are warning about potential consequences.

Meta—the owner of WhatsApp—will likely incorporate various protective mechanisms in the final version of the feature, but user vigilance will remain crucial.

What to expect after the introduction?

Currently, the Guest Chats feature has not entered the public testing phase, so it is expected to be months before it becomes available to a broader audience. In the meantime, it is essential to learn about how the innovation works and prepare for protection.

Digital communication platforms are becoming increasingly open, but this also brings new types of threats. For UAE users, a conscious presence in the online sphere is particularly important—whether it's about a guest chat or even a simple unknown link sent via WhatsApp. Safe usage is not a technical question—it is a habit.

(The article is based on a warning from UAE experts.) img_alt: WhatsApp logo on an iPhone screen.