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WhatsApp tests cover photos to make profiles more personal

WhatsApp tests cover photos to make profiles more personal

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Jan 19, 2026

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.

Social media platform WhatsApp is planning to make your profile a little more personal, testing a new cover photo feature that allows users to add a wide photo to their profiles and gives them a unique and personal touch.

According to WABetaInfo, setting up a cover photo will be simple, as users can select an image from their gallery and move it, change it, or remove it at any time. This will not affect the existing profile picture or other account details.

The Meta-owned company will let users control who can see their cover photo, similar to the way it currently handles “Last Seen,” “Profile Photo,” and “About” settings. While the feature is still in development, it is expected to become available to all iOS users in future updates.

In addition, WhatsApp is working on making usernames more private. Normally, anyone can find a username through a global search and send a message. With the upcoming update, a person will need to enter a special code linked to a username before they can contact the user.

These changes show WhatsApp’s focus on personalisation and privacy, making it easier for users to express themselves while staying in control of who can reach them.