WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that can make its calling service even more accessible. As per WaBeta report, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform is developing “guest calls”, which would allow users to join a call through a web link without downloading the app or signing up for an account. So far, the feature is currently under development and is not available for testing.
The upcoming feature builds on WhatsApp’s existing call-link functionality. A WhatsApp user would be able to create a call link from the Calls tab, select the type of call and share the generated link with another person.
The receivers who do not have a WhatsApp account may open the link through a web browser and access the call interface on WhatsApp Web. They would not be required to install WhatsApp or create an account before joining.
However, guests will not be allowed to enter the call automatically. WhatsApp is said to require the host to manually approve each guest’s request before they can participate. The host would also retain control during the call and may reject incoming requests, remove participants, or end the call for everyone. This approval system can be particularly useful when a call link is shared with multiple people, as anyone who obtains the link could otherwise attempt to join.
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Despite not requiring an account, guest calls are expected to retain WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. The feature reportedly uses technology similar to the guest chats WhatsApp introduced earlier.
Soon after the guest opens a link, WhatsApp Web can make a unique identifier for that browser session. The identifier is then used to make the encryption key needed to protect the conversation. This means an account would not need to establish encryption for the call.
Guest calls would differ from guest chats in one important way. While guest chats allow conversations to continue asynchronously, calls are designed for real-time communication and end once the call is over.
It must be noted that WhatsApp has not announced when this feature will roll out or be publicly available. The feature, as per the report, is in development and the functionality can change before the rollout.