WhatsApp’s upcoming ‘Guest Chats’ feature could blur the lines of digital trust and security. UAE experts urge caution amid rising concerns of misuse.
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| Experts in Dubai warn that WhatsApp's ‘Guest Chats’ feature, still in development, may pose serious risks for users worldwide due to anonymity and misuse potential. Image: CH |
Dubai, UAE – September 17, 2025:
As WhatsApp prepares to introduce a new feature known as “Guest Chats,” cybersecurity experts in the UAE are voicing serious concerns. The feature, which is still in the early stages of development and has not yet entered beta testing, would allow users to initiate chats with people who do not have WhatsApp accounts by sending them a link. While the idea may seem convenient, security professionals warn it could make the platform more vulnerable to exploitation.
The feature was first revealed by WABetaInfo, a platform that tracks WhatsApp updates. According to their report, the upcoming Android update through the Google Play Beta Program is expected to include this functionality. A verified WhatsApp user would be able to generate a conversation link and share it with a “guest” who doesn’t have an account. Although the link provides some level of traceability, experts argue that it is not enough to ensure safe communication.
Haider Pasha, Chief Security Officer at Palo Alto Networks EMEA, explained that allowing users to connect without a registered account introduces a significant security gap. He warned that the anonymity involved could make it easier for attackers to impersonate others, conduct social engineering attacks, or distribute malicious links. The absence of a proper verification system means that trust becomes harder to establish, especially in conversations with unknown individuals.
Adding to the concern, Ahmed Ashraf, Senior Security Consultant at Kaspersky, emphasized that while WhatsApp users must initiate the chat link, the identity of the recipient is only loosely verified. He pointed out that the method of verification depends entirely on how the guest receives the link—whether by email, SMS, or another platform—and that may not provide sufficient confirmation of the other party's identity. Ashraf highlighted that a key issue lies in what WhatsApp chooses to display in the guest chat window. If details like the sender’s number or profile photo are hidden, the guest has no way to verify who is contacting them. If the information is visible, some level of assurance is established, but the potential for deception remains.
Both experts agree that the possibility of misuse increases, especially if malicious users begin to distribute fake links at scale. Even though Meta retains account information for verified users, which could help identify and block bad actors, the initial contact point remains a critical vulnerability. The feature could easily be leveraged to trick people into sharing personal data or clicking harmful links, particularly in regions with less digital literacy.
In light of these risks, Pasha recommends that users adopt a more cautious approach once the feature is released. He stresses the importance of activating two-factor authentication and being vigilant about the links they engage with. Users should also avoid disclosing personal information to unverified contacts. If an account is compromised, reinstalling WhatsApp and requesting a new verification code is one of the first steps to regain control.
Ashraf added that WhatsApp users should consider limiting their profile visibility to “Contacts Only,” preventing unknown parties from seeing personal details like profile pictures or status updates. He also urged WhatsApp to develop additional safety measures, such as a manual option to end or revoke guest chat sessions. This, he said, would give users better control over who can access their conversations and for how long.
While the feature may enhance WhatsApp’s accessibility, particularly for non-users or those in restricted regions, it also creates a new attack vector that can be exploited globally. Given WhatsApp’s vast user base of more than two billion people, even a minor security oversight can have far-reaching consequences.
As Meta continues to develop the ‘Guest Chats’ feature, the company faces the challenge of balancing convenience with robust security. For now, experts in the UAE and beyond are urging users to stay informed, be cautious, and not assume that new features come without new risks.