Whatsapp App Discussion Thread

[YitzyS]

I turned mine off for WA app specifically
Until I see a need for the new updates

I should've thought of this before. Now it updated. Any way for me to roll it back? (iphone)

[VacationLover]

Gentech representative told me they have a patch to block channels (while leaving status open) it will be released today, and devices will need to update to the latest Gentech version.

[AMH]

This is how it comes up on Hadran filtered devices

[dasmo801]

With Netspark, the "find channel" link is blocked. It you click on it, Whatsapp will shut down. However there are channels that show up as suggestions and it you click "follow" on those you can still access them.

[yuneeq]

My iPhone app was last updated Sep 13th but channels showed up this morning.

[Yo ssi]

My iPhone app was last updated Sep 13th but channels showed up this morning.

While turning off auto update may prevent you from getting the features, having the latest update won't necessarily get you them.

Aka software rollout

[David61]

I'd guess demand for a feature to block Channels would extend well beyond just the orthodox community.

I sent a request for functionality to block channels at https://www.whatsapp.com/contact 

I reported an appstore violation given that WhatsApp now provides access to mature content in it's new "Channels" feature at https://getsupport.apple.com/solutions/chat/ and at https://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

Are these filtering solutions mentioned above available in the appstore (Hadran, Gentech) for iphone? Sounds like Netspark won't fully block it, and some of these solutions are only for Android.

[AMH]

Dear customer,
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As part of our commitment to provide you with the best filtering solutions, we want to share with you the current status of the filtering options for the newly released WhatsApp Channels.

WhatsApp Web - If you are using WhatsApp in your browser on any device we are able to block the channels and we applied it to all customers as a default.

Android App - If you are using the WhatsApp app on your Android device, for Samsung devices we were able to block the channels if you did not agree to the agreement prompt which is required at the first time use of channels. If you did already agree to it we were still able to block searching for new channels.

(You might also be able to clear the app data which will remove your account and sign back in to have it blocked again but make sure you have a local backup so you do not lose your data (this works in many cases but not all)

For other Android devices and for another option on the Samsung devices a more solid blocking option is in the process of being prepared in our next app update, will keep you posted once it is tested and released.

iOS App - If you are using the WhatsApp app on your iPhone or iPad you may ask us to limit the app to text only so you stay protected from unwanted media on your mobile device (You can still have your media when connecting to your account from the web), we will keep you posted once more options become available.

All the above applies to WhatsApp for Business as well.

If you need any help with your filtering settings please feel free to reach out to our technical support team 24 hours a day.

We wish you a safe year and may Hashem protect you from all challenges!

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** If you have any questions, technical issues, or concerns, do not hesitate to give us a call at 718-436-8324 or send us an email at support@gentechsolution.com
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GenTech Solution, 41 Box St Suite 305 Brooklyn NY 11222 US | Tel: 718-Gen-Tech (436-8324) www.gentechsolution.com

[David61]

https://hefkervelt.blogspot.com/2023/09/tag-update-on-whatsapp-channels.html#more

TAG Update on Whatsapp Channels
The following statement was sent out by TAG regarding the release of WhatsApp channels feature.

Dear Fellow Community Member,

As you probably have heard, WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature called Channels. With the advent of Channels, WhatsApp has changed from being predominantly a messaging app to a social media app similar to many others.

Coming in the middle of the Yemei HaDin, this is a stark reminder of how any app can change overnight. An app which was considered relatively safe by many people has suddenly become highly problematic.

Baruch Hashem, requests are coming into our offices worldwide from individuals and businesses alike to block WhatsApp entirely since Channels were released. Mi K’Amcha Yisrael!

For those who will continue to use WhatsApp:

TAG International has been aware of this issue for a while and has been working proactively to create viable solutions for this latest threat. Currently, MB Smart and Netspark are able to block this feature for Android users. Gentech and Techloq are working on a block as well. MB Smart also has a partial fix for iOS. Please contact your local TAG center to find out more.

Please note: These solutions are being tweaked and perfected as we speak, since it was not possible to test solutions before the feature was released. Please be patient with your filter as they work in real time to develop protection.

Accepting terms and conditions for Channels will possibly make it more difficult to block this feature, so please avoid doing so if possible.

In the zchus of the mesirus nefesh of so many Yidden, may the Shomer Yisrael bentch us all with a גמר חתימה טובה.


Rabbi Nechemiah Gottlieb

Director, TAG International

[Yo ssi]

This better not make it past beta

[lcm]

This better not make it past beta

What? Don't see the pic

[Yo ssi]

This better not make it past beta

This beta update actually fixes the community to not be two clicks.

[justaregularguy]

This better not make it past beta

what better not make it past beta?

This beta update actually fixes the community to not be two clicks.

this is excellent !!

[Yo ssi]

what better not make it past beta?

If it's not obvious then skip..

[justaregularguy]

If it's not obvious then skip..

I don’t know if you mean like there’s some icon poking out behind the updates tab? Not sure what I’m missing

[justaregularguy]

I literally used to remember how to do this but I’m drawing a blank: how do you make a sticker in WhatsApp?
I’ve got a few stickers labeled ‘WhatsApp sticker maker’ from photos on my phone. How is this done again?

[lcm]

I literally used to remember how to do this but I’m drawing a blank: how do you make a sticker in WhatsApp?
I’ve got a few stickers labeled ‘WhatsApp sticker maker’ from photos on my phone. How is this done again?

Think it is available in Whatsapp web

[justaregularguy]

Think it is available in Whatsapp web

I did it on my phone

I don’t believe it is a update thing bc I once was able to do it now I can’t seem to find where

[Joel]

If channels wasn't enough of a issue..

Zuckerberg Brings AI to WhatsApp & Instagram.

https://youtu.be/LKCJwLEyruc?si=9rha_O6IsFLOXMWH

[Yo ssi]

If channels wasn't enough of a issue..

Zuckerberg Brings AI to WhatsApp & Instagram.

https://youtu.be/LKCJwLEyruc?si=9rha_O6IsFLOXMWH