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WhatsApp will let you invite friends to events who aren’t on the app
WhatsApp is rolling out event links that let people invite friends and family who do not use the app. Recipients can view event details through the link, which could make WhatsApp a more convenient option for organising gatherings alongside services such as Facebook.
A new Events Home will let users create and send invitations, manage RSVPs, set custom reminders and allow guests to bring a plus-one. Users can find past and upcoming events under Events in Settings. WhatsApp says it will not show a host’s phone number to guests they do not know, and guests without WhatsApp will see the event address only after replying to the invitation; the features are due to reach all users in the coming weeks.
In short
- WhatsApp invites will work for people without the app.
- Hosts can manage RSVPs, reminders and plus-ones in Events Home.
- Non-users see the address only after they RSVP.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Allowing non-users to view invitations could make organising gatherings easier, since hosts would not need to move friends and family to another service or exclude them. RSVP management, reminders and privacy measures may also make the feature useful while limiting the personal information shared with unfamiliar guests.
The case against
Making event planning more convenient could encourage people to rely further on WhatsApp, even when some invitees do not use it or would prefer another service. Non-users may also have less control over how they receive or interact with invitations, and the privacy protections described may not address every concern about sharing event details through a platform they have not chosen to join.