WhatsApp Tests Guest Calls Feature for Users Without Accounts or Phone Numbers
WhatsApp is testing a new Guest Calls feature, allowing users without an account or phone number to join end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls directly via a web browser link.
WhatsApp is developing a new feature called Guest Chats, designed for individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account or prefer not to share their phone number. According to a report by WABetaInfo, this feature, which previously supported only text messages, has now been expanded to support voice and video calls (Guest Calls).
How Guest Calls Work
The new feature operates similarly to invitation links used by platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. A registered WhatsApp user can generate a unique link and send it to an external contact. The recipient can then join the audio or video call directly through their web browser, without downloading the application or registering an account.
To maintain security, WhatsApp generates a unique identifier for each call session. This identifier is used to create an encryption key, ensuring that the call remains end-to-end encrypted—one of WhatsApp's signature security standards.
Security Measures and Access Control
The call host, who must be a registered WhatsApp user, retains full control over the session:
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Manual Approval: The host must manually approve the entry of any guest trying to join via the link.
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Participant Removal: If an unauthorized user attempts to join, the host can immediately remove them from the call.
Currently, WhatsApp is testing the guest call feature in beta versions for a limited group of users. As with all beta features, it may undergo modifications or be discarded before a public release.
