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Tag: WhatsApp

  • WhatsApp makes saving contacts easy with release of new features

    WhatsApp makes saving contacts easy with release of new features

    WhatsApp started July on a happy note, announcing new features, including a feature that will make saving contacts easier.

    In a blog post on Wednesday, the Facebook-owned messaging service revealed five new features that are expected to roll out over the next few weeks.

    “Soon, when you meet someone new, you will be able to scan their QR code to add them to your contacts. No more tapping in their digits one at a time,” the blog post read.

    WhatsApp users can now make their messaging even more effective with new Animated Stickers.

    The app said that stickers were one of the most-common ways of communicating on WhatsApp, with billions of stickers sent every day.

    “We are rolling out new animated sticker packs that are even more fun and expressive,” the blog post read.

    With video-calling becoming the most pertinent way of communicating with loved ones, WhatsApp has made improvements to the group video calling feature.

    Earlier, WhatsApp had increased the number of people joining the video call to 8. This time, it has added a special feature that will allow users to focus on a particular user on a group call by letting a user press and hold to maximise a participant’s video to full screen.

    WhatsApp will also allow users to add a video icon in group chats of 8 or less, so they can easily start a group video call with 1-tap.

    The messaging platform also plans to roll out the Status feature, that disappears after 24 hours, to KaiOS users.

    Also, the incredibly popular Dark Mode theme now extends to computer: Dark mode for WhatsApp web and desktop.

    These WhatsApp features are expected to come to users with the next, latest versions of WhatsApp.

  • Brazil suspends WhatsApp’s new payments system

    The Central Bank of Brazil has effectively suspended a newly-launched system allowing users of Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging service to send money via chats, ordering Visa and Mastercard to halt payments and transfers via the system.

    The central bank said in a statement that rolling out the service without previous analysis by the monetary authority could damage the Brazilian payments system in the areas of competition, efficiency and data privacy.

    If Visa and Mastercard do not comply with the order, they would be subject to fines and administrative sanctions, the statement said.

    The system, launched last week in a nationwide rollout, allowed users to transfer funds to individuals or local businesses within a chat, attaching payments as they would a photo or video.

    The central bank’s move is the latest setback in payments for owner Facebook, which pared back its plans for a global payments system called Libra after meeting stiff resistance from regulators.

    Earlier on Tuesday, before Visa and Mastercard operations with WhatsApp were suspended, the central bank issued regulation saying it could require market participants to receive previous approval to operate in payments.

    WhatsApp launched its Brazil services without requesting central bank authorisation, as it was operating as an intermediary between consumers and financial institutions.

    The central bank’s move comes as the regulator prepared to launch its own instant payments system in November, called Pix, joining more than 980 participants.

    The WhatsApp spokesperson said it was committed to working with the central bank to integrate systems once Pix became available.

    Mastercard said it would comply with the central bank ruling and continue to develop an innovative payment environment.

    Facebook and Visa did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Cielo declined to comment.

  • WARNING! This WhatsApp feature could leave you vulnerable to all manner of scams

    A bug-bounty hunter known as Athul Jayaram has uncovered how using a WhatsApp feature could leave you vulnerable to all manner of scams and cyber attacks.

    The WhatsApp feature known as click to chat allows anyone to click on a WhatsApp-owned programmatic “wa.me” domain, which takes them directly to WhatsApp to chat with you.

    The domain stores click to chat metadata in a URL string. For instance, if you click on this link https://wa.me/2348052317264, it will take you to WhatsApp to chat with me.

    But, that is not the issue. The issue is that your mobile number is visible in plain text in this URL, and anyone who gets hold of the URL can know your mobile number. Plus, Google is indexing the phone, meaning it’s visible in Search.

    Messaging platform WhatsApp is renowned for its high data privacy standards, offering end-to-end encryption to all users. However, this latest discovery suggests personal data may not be as private as users might like to think.

    Scouring the domain via Google searches, Jayaram reportedly uncovered 300,000 WhatsApp numbers made public via this mechanism.

    “As individual phone numbers are leaked, an attacker can message them, call them, sell their phone numbers to marketers, spammers and scammers,” he stated.

    However, when contacted, WhatsApp dismissed the vulnerability on the grounds that users have full oversight of the information attached to their profile that is made available to the public.

    A WhatsApp spokesperson was quoted to have said the vulnerability “merely contained a search engine index of URLs that WhatsApp users chose to make public. All WhatsApp users, including businesses, can block unwanted messages with the tap of a button”.

    Meanwhile, the bug-bounty hunter believes that WhatsApp should take the disclosure more seriously, due to the scope of attacks the issue could facilitate.

    “Today, your mobile number is linked to your Bitcoin wallets, Adhaar, bank accounts, UPI, credit cards…[allowing] an attacker to perform SIM card swapping and cloning attacks is another possibility,” he said.

  • Ebonyi to shut down social media groups from June 2 – Official

    The Ebonyi Government says it will shut down most of its related social media – WhatsApp – groups from June 2.

    The disclosure is contained in a statement signed by Mr Uchenna Orji, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Abakaliki on Sunday.

    He said that the state government-related WhatsApp groups were directed to be streamlined for ease of information dissemination and management.

    “All those who opened WhatsApp accounts for propagating government programmes, particularly those that have top government functionaries are to attend an important meeting.

    “The meeting is on June 1, by 11 am at the Secretary to the State Government’s conference hall,” he said.

    Recall that the State Governor, David Umahi had consistently condemned the usage of the social media by some individuals and groups to castigate people and cause disaffection among the public.

    The governor recently warned government officials to stop responding to criticisms in his defence on the social media especially on state’s former SSG, Prof. Bernard Odoh, whom he said was ‘still a brother and friend’.

    “Those who use the social media to bring others down will remain down while those they intend to bring down will rise above them,” he admonished.

  • JUST IN: Federal High Court adopts virtual court, permits Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, email, others

    JUST IN: Federal High Court adopts virtual court, permits Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, email, others

    The Federal High Court (FHC) of Nigeria has authorised judges to adopt virtual proceedings for court cases in all its judicial divisions.

    Chief Judge (CJ) Justice John Tsoho gave the direction in the new 2020 Practice Directions for the COVID-19 Period.

    But proceedings can only be held virtually with the consent of the parties and their counsels.

    Also, under the new rules, FHC judges cannot hear more than nine cases in a day.

    There were 36 Divisions of the court as at last July with 82 judges to hear over 200,000 pending cases.

    “Virtual proceeding is hereby adopted for adjudication in the Federal High Court.

    “Virtual proceedings can be either by Zoom, Skype or any other audio-visual platform approved by the Court,” the CJ said.

    Where parties and counsel agree to virtual proceedings in a case, he directed them to liaise with the court’s Registrar to schedule the hearings.

    Cases for virtual proceedings shall then be stated on the Cause List, posted on the FHC website and communicated to counsel and parties, either by e-mail or any other electronic means.

    The Judge and counsel in such proceedings must also be robed.

    The notice also responded positively to growing calls for technology to be infused in court proceedings.

    “Service of court processes may be effected by e-mails, WhatsApp or as may be directed by the Court, and shall be deemed as good service.

    “Service of hearing notices may be effected by e-mail, WhatsApp, text messages or as may be directed by the Court

    “The print out of same shall be sufficient proof of service,” it said.

    In keeping with federal and states COVID-19 regulations, the Chief Judge also made the wearing of face masks and maintaining of social distancing mandatory.

    “Face Masks must be properly worn by everyone within the court premises to cover their mouths and noses at all times.

    “Every person within the premises of the court and inside the court room shall observe the requirement of social and physical distancing of not less than 2 meters (6 feet) apart from each other,

    “At any given time, there shall not be a congregation of more than ten (10) within the Court premises, except for purposes of court sittings.

    “There shall not be more than twenty (20) persons inside the court room including the court staff and counsel at court sittings.”

    These Practice Directions came into effect on May 18, 2020.

  • NCDC engages WhatsApp for COVID-19

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has urged Nigerians to access its WhatsApp for a free-to-use service and to engage the centre on how to curtail the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

    Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of NCDC gave the update on Monday in Abuja, while giving an update on COVID-19 pandemic in the country that the new service allows for two-way conversations on WhatsApp.

    “We‘ll send real-time messages to all Nigerians who opt in to the service, and Nigerians can also engage directly with us,” he said.

    He said that the easy-to-use messaging service has the potential to reach all Nigerians and enables NCDC to get information directly into the hands of Nigerians that need it.

    Ihekweazu noted that the messaging service provides the latest news and information on COVID19 including details on symptoms and how Nigerians could protect themselves and others.

    The NCDC boss said it would also provide the latest situation reports and numbers in real-time to help government decision-makers protect the health of Nigerians.

    All WhatsApp users can access the free service by simply adding the number: +234-708-711-0839 to their phone contacts.

    To get started, users can text any key word for example, “Hi” to the number through WhatsApp chat which prompts a list of options,” he explained.

    He said NCDC would also publish the WhatsApp support helpline number on its website, social

    media platforms and communication material distributed to the public.

    Ihekweazu called on Nigerians to be civil and responsible in the way they go about reporting cases with regards to the virus, using the dedicated phone lines.

    The NCDC boss said that the key challenge was not just the volume but also being able to confidently discern between accurate and reliable sources from incorrect and misleading information.

    “We do not have to keep toying with the helplines dedicated to fighting this Virus. Over the last few days, we‘ve engaged more volunteers at our call centre and expanded the lines.

    “We kindly request for understanding if anyone has challenges calling us. You can send us a DM as well. We are working hard to expand our capacity and automate processes,” he said.

    He, however, said that NCDC had also created a new microsite specifically for COVID19.

    The guidelines develop frequently asked questions and infographics to download daily situation reports.

    Ihekweazu advised Nigerians that preventing the further spread of COVID19 pandemic was a shared responsibility for every Nigerian.

    “Let’s start in full solidarity with one another. We are in this together and we will get through this, together as one Nigerian,” he said.

    As at 9.30 pm on Sunday, March 29, there were 111 confirmed cases of COVID19 reported in Nigeria with one death.

    Currently, Lagos has 68; Abuja- 21, Ogun – Three, Ekiti – one, Oyo – Seven, Osun, Two , Enugu – Two, Edo – Two, Bauchi -Two, while Benue ,Kaduna and Rivers have one case respectively.

    The cases reported were from travelers who just returned to the country while other cases were from people who have come in contact with infected people.

  • Covid-19: NCDC urges citizenry to engage centre on WhatsApp

    Covid-19: NCDC urges citizenry to engage centre on WhatsApp

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has urged Nigerians to access its WhatsApp for a free-to-use service and to engage.

    Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of NCDC, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Abuja, while giving an update on COVID-19 pandemic in the country that the new service allows for two-way conversations on WhatsApp.

    “We‘ll send real-time messages to all Nigerians who opt in to the service, and Nigerians can also engage directly with us,” he said.

    He said that the easy-to-use messaging service have the potential to reach all Nigerians and enables NCDC to get information directly into the hands of Nigerians that need it.

    Ihekweazu noted that the messaging service provides the latest news and information on COVID19 including details on symptoms and how Nigerians could protect themselves and others.

    The NCDC boss said it would also provide the latest situation reports and numbers in real-time to help government decision-makers protect the health of Nigerians.

    All WhatsApp users can access the free service by simply adding the number:
    +234-708-711-0839 to their phone contacts.

    To get started, users can text any key word for example, “Hi” to the number through WhatsApp chat which prompts a list of options,” he explained.

    He said NCDC would also publish the WhatsApp support helpline number on its website, social
    media platforms and communication material distributed to the public.

    Ihekweazu called on Nigerians to be civil and responsible in the way they go about reporting cases with regards to the virus, using the dedicated phone lines.

    The NCDC boss said that the key challenge was not just the volume but also being able to confidently discern between accurate and reliable sources from incorrect and misleading information.

    “We do not have to keep toying with the helplines dedicated to fighting this Virus. Over the last few days, we‘ve engaged more volunteers at our call centre and expanded the lines.

    “We kindly request for understanding if anyone has challenges calling us. You can send us a DM as well. We are working hard to expand our capacity and automate processes,” he said.

    He, however said that NCDC had also created a new microsite specifically for COVID19.

    The guidelines develops frequently asked questions and Infographics to download daily situation reports.

    Ihekweazu advised Nigerians that preventing the further spread of COVID19 pandemic was a shared responsibility for every Nigerian.

    “Let’s start in full solidarity with one another. We are in this together and we will get through this, together as one Nigerian,” he said.

    NAN reports that as at 9.30 pm on Sunday, March 29, there were 111 confirmed cases of COVID19 reported in Nigeria with one death.

    Currently, Lagos has 68; Abuja- 21, Ogun – Three, Ekiti – one, Oyo – Seven, Osun, Two , Enugu – Two, Edo – Two, Bauchi -Two, while Benue ,Kaduna and Rivers have one case respectively.

    The cases reported were from travelers who just returned to the country while other cases were from people who have come in contact with infected people.

  • Ministry opens up on recording phone calls of Nigerians

    The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has opened up on a currently circulating broadcast message reportedly authored by the Minister, Isa Pantami that government will soon begin recording phone calls of Nigerians.

    According to the broadcast message circulating especially on WhatsApp, which was also received by our tech editor, all devices are now connected to the Ministry’s systems.

    The broadcast message also insinuated that effective tomorrow, the Ministry will commence the recording of phone calls and the monitoring of all social media platforms and fora.

    The malicious message also further discouraged citizens from sharing any messages or videos with political or religious content, as it is now officially a crime and could even lead to arrest.

    According to a statement by Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), Spokesperson to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the broadcast message is fake news in totality.

    Uwa stated that the Ministry initially ignored the message, which has been in the public domain for some time, so as not to give undue attention to the originators.

    “But its spread, the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians to get clarity and the need to ensure that all Nigerians are properly informed” necessitated clarifications, she stated.

    “We are at a point in our Nation’s history where the focus is on digitalizing the Nigerian Economy for the greater good of all, and divisive messages such as these are mere distractions.

    “It is on record that Dr Pantami, as the then Director General of NITDA, initiated and passed the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR January 25th 2019) which solely exists to protect the privacy rights of every individual.

    “The Honourable Minister enjoins all Nigerians, to disregard the propaganda which is aimed at inciting fear, and creating public confusion. Under the leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is mandated to Leverage on Technology for a Digital Economy, and will not engage in acts that would sabotage its mandate.

    “The office of the Honourable Minister, calls on all Nigerians to ignore all and any instructions contained in the message, and further help in tackling this ignoble act by immediately deleting the message to curb its spread,” the statement read.

  • Whatsapp stops working on some smartphones today

    Whatsapp stops working on some smartphones today

    Messaging service WhatsApp will no longer work on millions of smartphones from 1 February.

    Android and iPhone devices which only support outdated operating systems will no longer be able to run the Facebook-owned app.

    WhatsApp said the move was necessary in order to protect the security of its users.

    Smartphones using Android 2.3.7 and older, and iPhone iOS 8 or older, are those affected by the update.

    The operating systems that WhatsApp is dropping support for are legacy operating systems, which are no longer updated or installed on new devices.

    Most users will simply be able to update their operating systems in order to continue using the messaging service.

    However, certain devices, such as the iPhone 4, which only supports iOS 7, will no longer be compatible with the app.

    “WhatsApp clearly had no option but to ensure its service remains secure, however it faces the difficult side-effect that the app is no longer compatible with older smartphones,” said CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood.

    “This is likely to disproportionally impact the long-tail of its users, particularly in growth markets where there is a high proportion of older devices.”

    WhatsApp, which was one of the most-downloaded apps of the decade, first warned users that these changes would happen back in 2017.

    “This was a tough decision for us to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp,” said a spokesperson for the company.

    It is the latest in a series of moves after the messaging app withdrew support for numerous devices in 2016, and then from all Windows phones on 31 December, 2019.

  • Get breaking news on the go: How to sign up for TNG WhatsApp updates

    Get breaking news on the go: How to sign up for TNG WhatsApp updates

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) stormed Nigeria in 2016, and since then, has grown to become a household name for breaking news and current affairs, as readers across the globe daily receive our big stories via TNG WhatsApp.

    TNG is a multimedia news platform, which started as Nigeria’s first comprehensive, real online newspaper that is striving to fill the yawning gap in the online newspaper business in Nigeria and indeed Africa.

    What to read and love on TNG

    Everything! From business, news to health, politics, entertainment, lifestyle, events, sports, and also captivating science and technology news and feature stories, including captivating opinions from seasoned columnists, and how-tos, and video news reporting.

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