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WhatsApp introduces Instagram Notes-like feature

WhatsApp introduces Instagram Notes-like feature

Sadiq Khan
Nov 22, 2025

The Indian government has introduced strict new cybersecurity rules, under which WhatsApp and all other messaging apps will no longer work without an active SIM card. According to foreign media, under the Cybersecurity Rules 2025, platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Snapchat must remain linked to a functioning SIM at all times. If the SIM in a user’s phone becomes inactive, is removed, or replaced, the app will immediately stop working. The government has given messaging platforms 90 days to comply with the new regulations. Under the updated system, users will also be logged out every six hours and will have to scan a QR code to log back in. Officials say the move aims to curb cybercrime, as many scammers use blocked or inactive SIM cards from abroad to commit fraud in India, making them difficult to trace. The decision has sparked debate among experts. Some say it is an important step toward improving traceability, while others argue it will not be enough. Critics point out that new SIM cards can still be obtained using fake or borrowed identities, meaning SIM-binding alone cannot completely stop fraud. Questions are also being raised about the accuracy of India’s telecom subscriber database, as identity fraud remained widespread in 2023 despite video-KYC and biometric verification.

ISLAMABAD: Social media platform WhatsApp is rolling out its own version of a status update feature, similar to Instagram Notes.

With this new update, users will be able to post short text updates that can be easily viewed by people added to their contacts list — a feature already familiar to Instagram users.

According to the Meta-owned company, the feature will allow WhatsApp users to share quick notes that could work as conversation starters or indicate why they may not be available to talk. The option will appear under the “About” section, where users can access and manage these status-style updates.

The platform said this is not an entirely new idea, noting that the original version of WhatsApp also allowed people to share brief updates before the app shifted its focus toward secure and private messaging. The relaunch now makes the “About” status more visible than before.

Contacts will be able to see a user’s short update at the top of their one-on-one chats and on profile pages. Users can also tap on someone’s About status directly from a chat to reply.

Like Instagram Notes, these updates will disappear after 24 hours.

WhatsApp company said that the feature is rolling out to users on mobile devices starting this week.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s social media platform X has also introduced a new set of profile details.

This feature aims to help people judge whether an account is genuine, the company said, adding that the rollout has already been spotted by users over the past few days, with many finding an “About this account” section now visible on their own profiles.

The newly brought feature for users on the platform actually shows where an account is based, how many times it has changed its username, when it first joined the platform, and even how the app was downloaded, such as through the US App Store or Google Play.