Technology

WhatsApp’s next big shift: Usernames may replace phone numbers in landmark privacy move

Awwal Owolabi 22 October 2025 0

In what could become the most transformative update in its history, WhatsApp, the world’s most widely used instant messaging platform, is preparing to change the way its two billion users connect. The company is testing a feature that allows people to identify themselves through usernames

Business

Basic things to know when connecting with WhatsApp Channels

DailyTimesNGR DailyTimesNGR 23 January 2024 0

By Motolani Oseni More than two billion people across 180 countries currently use WhatsApp to connect with friends and family, making it probably the world’s most widely used private messaging service. In fact, people are currently using WhatsApp for more than just messaging friends and family. Introduced last year, WhatsApp Channels is a new feature […]

Business

19m Nigerians’ Whatsapp data leaked, put up for sale

Ihesiulo Grace 27 November 2022 0

A database containing up-to-date mobile phone numbers of 487 million Whatsapp users, including 19 million from Nigeria, was leaked and put up for sale, with the dataset allegedly containing WhatsApp user data from 84 countries, a report by Cybernews has revealed. The report showed that the threat actor posted an ad on a well-known hacking […]

Business

WhatsApp launches campaign to boost small businesses in Africa

Ihesiulo Grace 15 June 2022 0

By Motolani Oseni WhatsApp has announced the launch of the WhatsAppreneurs campaign, profiling small entrepreneurs from Africa who are using the WhatsApp Business app to grow their business and reach more customers. The campaign will highlight the stories of Small and Medium Business owners in Africa, and help them and others like them learn more […]

Telecoms

WhatsApp will stop working on these phones starting from Nov 1 (Full List)

Ihesiulo Grace 1 November 2021 0

Some phones across the world starting from November 1, (tomorrow) will not have access to WhatsApp, as the app will be blocked on their device. Naija News had earlier reported that the social media messaging app will stop working on some devices because owners of the platform will cease to provide support for the operating […]

Technology

Social Media Clampdown: WhatsApp Sues Indian Government

Ihesiulo Grace 26 May 2021 0

According to AFP, WhatsApp has filed a lawsuit to prevent India from imposing new social media restrictions that would violate its privacy promises. The rules, which went into force the same day, come at a time when social media behemoths are at odds with the Indian government, which has asked that Internet companies remove information […]

Technology

WhatsApp to deactivate messages for all who reject new terms

Ihesiulo Grace 22 February 2021 0

WhatsApp users who do not accept its updated terms and conditions by the 15 May deadline will be unable to receive or send messages until they do so. Their account will be listed as “inactive”. And inactive accounts can be deleted after 120 days. Calls and notifications will still function for “a short while” but, […]

News

WhatsApp launches first digital payments option

Ihesiulo Grace 15 June 2020 0

Facebook on Monday added a digital payments feature to its WhatsApp messaging service, starting in Brazil but with an eye to expanding around the world according to AFP. WhatsApp users in Brazil can use the encrypted mobile messaging service to send money or make purchases, Facebook said in a blog post. It marked the first […]

Business

FIRS clarifies VAT charges on ATM transactions, WhatsApp

Ihesiulo Grace 3 June 2020 0

.As FG slashes revenue projections for relevant agencies The Federal Inland Revenue Service has clarified on the recent announcement regarding charges on Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions as well as WhatsApp messages. Speaking to Daily Times, the Director  Communications department of the FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad said details of the planned charges are

Economy

Nigerians to pay 50 naira stamp duty on electronic receipts

Ihesiulo Grace 30 May 2020 0

Nigerians will now pay stamp duties on all forms of electronic notifications acknowledging receipts of funds. This includes SMS and messages on any electronic platform such as emails and Whatsapp messages. This is according to a circular that was signed by FIRS’ Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami, as seen on the tax agency’s website. Part of […]

Education

COVID-19: Private schools use WhatsApp to teach students in Kaduna

Ihesiulo Grace 6 May 2020 0

Some members of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Kaduna State chapter, now use the WhatsApp platform to keep students engaged while on coronavirus lockdown at home. The Secretary of the association, Mr. Philip Iorhena, made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Tuesday. Iorhena […]

Technology

Auno attack: NEDC distributes relief items to 4, 000 victims in Borno

Ihesiulo Grace 17 February 2020 0

The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) has distributed relief materials to 4, 000 victims of Boko Haram insurgents’ attack in Auno community of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno. Mohammed Alkali, NEDC Managing Director, made the disclosure at the distribution of the relief items to the affected persons on Monday in Auno, Borno. Alkali disclosed that […]

Featured Technology

WhatsApp for windows device will stop working from Dec 31

Ihesiulo Grace 31 December 2019 0

WhatsApp, social messaging app will stop working on phones running on Windows mobile operating system from December 31. A FAQ section on the instant messaging app’s website stated, ‘You’ll no longer be able to use all Windows Phone operating systems after December 31, 2019”. Facebook celebrates key milestones for sub Saharan Africa in 2019 Further, […]

Featured Labour

FG to meet Facebook, WhatsApp, Google, Twitter, Instagram on Social Media regulation

Ihesiulo Grace 19 November 2019 0

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed says the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Guild of Editors and their members have more to gain with the Federal Government’s plan to sanitise the social media space. The minister gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja when the President of NUJ, Mr Chris Isiguzo led […]

Banking Business Computers Money Money Technology

UBA is now available on Apple Business Chat

Ihesiulo Grace 20 September 2019 0

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Thursday, announced that the services of its Chatbot, Leo is now available for customers on Apple Business Chat, where its users can communicate directly with businesses using the Messages app on iPhone and iPad. Speaking at the launch of the service in the bank’s Head office on Thursday, […]

Business

Why FirstBank WhatsApp banking is irresistible – MD

Ihesiulo Grace 12 November 2018 0

In line with what has been described as its mission to provide convenient and fast payment solution to its customers, Nigeria’s oldest bank, FirstBank Nigeria Limited, launched FirstBank chat banking on WhatsApp at the weekend in Lagos. Briefing newsmen at the launch, MD\CEO of the bank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan said the whole essence of the […]

Business Top Stories

UBA launches Leo on WhatsApp

Ihesiulo Grace 4 September 2018 0

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has announced the commencement of its chat bank “Leo” on the WhatsApp platform. With Leo on WhatsApp, customers who are users of the popular social app can now perform basic banking services, including checking their balances on the go, transferring funds, paying bills, among other services. Group Managing Director/Chief […]

News Top Stories

Int’l calls fraud: Expert raises the alarm over danger to economy

Ihesiulo Grace 17 May 2018 0

...Says operators engage in huge capital flight, tax evasion …Narrates how operators keep huge revenue offshore …Slams NCC for poor regulatory framework in tacking the menace Following a report by The Daily Times on International calls fraud, and how the operators across borders connived with the fraudsters to defraud innocent victims in Nigeria, a telecom […]

Technology Top Stories

Whatsapp: Experts warn against fake version of chat apps

Ihesiulo Grace 10 April 2018 0

Research from security experts, Malwarebytes, has revealed that a fake version of Facebook-owned app, Whatsapp, can steal sensitive user data. The bogus app, Whatsapp plus, is said not to be found on the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store, but is circulated on blogs and forums online. According to Malwarebytes,when users install and […]

News In Brief

#DTNalert: WhatsApp experiences global shutdown

Ihesiulo Grace 3 November 2017 0

Global phone messaging platform, WhatsApp has been down for about thirty minutes now. The shutdown has created a lot of online hysteria as online communities are wondering what has gone wrong. So far there has been no statement from Facebook, the owners of the platform. More to follow