The instant messaging application WhatsApp has announced the introduction of a “Guest Calling” feature. This feature allows users to invite individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account to join a call.

Under this new feature, users can generate an invitation link and share it with anyone. There is no time limit on calls, and all conversations remain protected by end-to-end encryption.

Guests joining via this feature will initially be placed in a “waiting room” and can only join the call once the host grants permission. The host also retains the authority to remove a guest from the call at any time.

According to WhatsApp, guests will not be able to view the phone numbers of other participants, nor will they be able to send messages or initiate direct calls to them. However, they will have access to features such as screen sharing, reacting to content, and using the “raise hand” function during the conversation.

This feature will be available within the “Calls” section of WhatsApp, where users can generate an invitation link to share with others.

The company also plans to integrate this feature with Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar later this year, enabling users to create WhatsApp call links directly from their calendars.