Latest news with #messaging
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TikTok is testing its own version of Instagram's ‘broadcast channels'
TikTok is testing a new messaging tool called 'bulletin boards,' the social network confirmed to TechCrunch on Friday. The feature lets brands and creators share public, one-to-many messages to their followers. Bulletin boards are pretty similar to Instagram's broadcast channels feature that launched in 2023. Just like with broadcast channels on Instagram, only the creator of a bulletin board can post messages, and followers are limited to leaving emoji reactions. Bulletin boards support text, image, and video posts. The feature was first spotted by Threads user Christina Garnett. The idea behind the feature is to allow creators and brands to share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with their followers in a more direct way. For example, rather than posting updates through a Story or regular post on TikTok, brands and creators can share them on their bulletin board. The feature also lets accounts promote their content by directly sending it to followers. Some early testers of the feature include People Magazine, Paris Saint-Germain F.C, and the Jonas Brothers. Given that bulletin boards are test feature, it's unknown whether TikTok plans to roll it out out more widely. Plus, it's possible that TikTok may add more functionality. Instagram's broadcast channels, for example, let creators post polls. The launch of bulletin boards is the latest example of one social network borrowing features from another. Back in 2022, TikTok launched Stories, along with support for photos, in order to take on Instagram. Of course, Instagram copied TikTok's entire playbook with the launch of Reels in 2020. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TechCrunch
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- TechCrunch
TikTok is testing its own version of Instagram's ‘broadcast channels'
TikTok is testing a new messaging tool called 'bulletin boards,' the social network confirmed to TechCrunch on Friday. The feature lets brands and creators share public, one-to-many messages to their followers. Bulletin boards are pretty similar to Instagram's broadcast channels feature that launched in 2023. Just like with broadcast channels on Instagram, only the creator of a bulletin board can post messages, and followers are limited to leaving emoji reactions. Bulletin boards support both text and image posts. The feature was first spotted by Threads user Christina Garnett. The idea behind the feature is to allow creators and brands to share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with their followers in a more direct way. For example, rather than posting updates through a Story or regular post on TikTok, brands and creators can share them on their bulletin board. The feature also lets accounts promote their content by directly sending it to followers. Image Credits:Screenshot/TechCrunch Some early testers of the feature include People Magazine, Paris Saint-Germain F.C, and the Jonas Brothers. Given that bulletin boards are test feature, it's unknown whether TikTok plans to roll it out out more widely. Plus, it's possible that TikTok may add more functionality. Instagram's broadcast channels, for example, let creators post polls. The launch of bulletin boards is the latest example of one social network borrowing features from another. Back in 2022, TikTok launched Stories, along with support for photos, in order to take on Instagram. Of course, Instagram copied TikTok's entire playbook with the launch of Reels in 2020.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
WhatsApp banned from phones of House of Representative members
The US House of Representatives has banned WhatsApp on mobile devices for its members, citing "high risk" due to potential security concerns, lack of data transparency, and absence of stored data encryption. A memo from the Office of Cybersecurity outlined the ban and recommended alternative messaging platforms including Microsoft Teams, Amazon Wickr, Apple iMessage, FaceTime, and Signal. Meta, WhatsApp 's parent company, strongly disagreed with the ban, asserting that WhatsApp provides a higher level of security than other approved applications. The ban follows a previous incident, dubbed "Signalgate," where a journalist mistakenly accessed a Signal group chat with high-ranking administration officials, leading to the sharing of sensitive military operations information. The "Signalgate" incident resulted in a federal lawsuit against several cabinet members for alleged violation of federal law regarding message preservation, with Trump blaming a "lower level" employee.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
WhatsApp banned on House of Representative members' devices – but Signal still allowed, memo shows
WhatsApp has been banned on mobile devices belonging to members of the House of Representatives, though other messaging platforms including Signal – the app at the center of a major military controversy – are still reportedly allowed. According to a memo sent to all House members on Monday and obtained by Reuters, WhatsApp was deemed as 'high risk' due to 'potential security risks involved with its use,' among other things. It comes after uproar back in March, after journalist Jeffery Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat which included high ranking members of the administration. The incident later became known colloquially as 'Signalgate.' An investigation was launched after Goldberg reported that highly-sensitive information on U.S. military operations in Yemen had been shared in the group, which included cabinet members including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and former National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. But rather than single out Signal, Monday's memo said the "Office of Cybersecurity has deemed WhatsApp a high risk to users due to the lack of transparency in how it protects user data, absence of stored data encryption, and potential security risks involved with its use." A Meta spokesperson said the company disagreed with the move "in the strongest possible terms," noting that the platform provides a higher level of security than the other approved apps. However, in January, a WhatsApp official said Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions had targeted scores of its users, including journalists and members of civil society. Instead of WhatsApp, House members were recommended to use other messaging apps, including Microsoft Corp's Teams platform, Wickr, and Apple's iMessage and FaceTime, Reutersreported. Despite the shocking breach of security in March, Signal was also recommended as an alternative. The incident saw Waltz take responsibility for the incident – though not before Trump blamed a 'lower level' mystery employee. The president also suggested that Goldberg may have added himself, saying the technology allows for someone to 'get onto those things,' but without giving details. Signalgate also resulted in a federal lawsuit against five of the cabinet members in the group chat; Vance and Hegseth, as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The lawsuit, brought by the nonprofit American Oversight, asked a judge to order the cabinet member to preserve the Signal messages, claiming the use of Signal violates federal law.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Japan Communications Selects Enghouse Networks Core Messaging System to Power Its Neo-Carrier Strategy
MARKHAM, ON and TOKYO , June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Enghouse Networks, a global leader in telecommunications and media solutions, in collaboration with Japan Communications Inc. (TSE Prime: 9424) ('JCI'), a pioneering mobile innovator shaping secure digital infrastructure and trusted mobile connectivity, today announced that its core messaging and security solutions have been selected as part of JCI's Neo-Carrier Strategy initiative. As JCI announced on February 14, 2024, the company is progressing toward the launch of its Neo-Carrier service by May 24, 2026. Designed to operate independently from traditional mobile network operator constraints, the Neo-Carrier initiative integrates voice, SMS and data connectivity directly with MNO infrastructure. JCI has already begun building out its voice and SMS networks with the deployment of Enghouse Networks' SMS Core System. The System, comprising SMSC, SMS Firewall and Voicemail, marks a key milestone in the realization of its vision. The SMS Core System, built on Enghouse Networks' distributed modular architecture, delivers industry-leading performance, high availability and cost-effective scalability as well as bulk messaging, anti-fraud protection and service creation. It also complies with all open standards that are defining the future of mobile messaging. With native integration into IMS networks, Enghouse's messaging solutions enable JCI to position its SMS Core System for evolution toward the next generation of mobile messaging services based on the ultimate Mobile Data Network. 'As we continue building the Neo-Carrier platform, it's important that every component meets strict standards for reliability and openness,' said Greg Deickman, CTO of JCI. 'Enghouse Networks' SMS Core System gives us a solid, standards-based foundation for SMS and voicemail, while also allowing us to move quickly and independently. It's a practical, future-ready solution that fits well with how we're approaching our next phase.' 'JCI's Neo-Carrier approach is reshaping the future of secure mobile connectivity in Japan,' said Thomas Kolb, President of Enghouse Networks. 'We are honored that Enghouse Networks' technology has been selected to support this transformation with reliable, standards-compliant messaging infrastructure.' About Japan Communications Inc. Japan Communications Inc. (JCI), founded in 1996, is a pioneer who created the MVNO market and has brought innovation to the telecommunications industry. While JCI has established a stable profit model in their major business, simple and rational mobile communication services, JCI is aiming for further growth. JCI has strengths in patented technologies such as the mobile leased line 'Closed SIM-to-SIM Communication' and the digital authentication technology 'FPoS,' and is focusing on providing mobile communication services and digital authentication infrastructure based on the authentication technology. The PCI DSS-certified mobile leased line is adopted by high-security sectors, such as police and bank. The FPoS supports security at the highest global standards and convenience. Under the mission of 'carrying bit in safety and security,' JCI is aiming for developing social infrastructure such as secure mobile environment beyond national borders and is working on sustainable growth and improving corporate value. About Enghouse Networks Enghouse Networks is a leading global telecommunications technology and solutions provider. The Enghouse Networks technology portfolio spans Network Infrastructure, Media Solutions, Business Support Systems (BSS), Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Digital Transformation solutions. For further information, visit Enghouse Networks is a division of Enghouse Systems Ltd. of Markham, Ontario. View original content: SOURCE Enghouse Systems Limited
