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New WhatsApp channel in Treptow-Köpenick: Informed, safe and anonymous!
Treptow-Köpenick is introducing a new WhatsApp channel to communicate directly with citizens in a data protection-friendly manner.
New WhatsApp channel in Treptow-Köpenick: Informed, safe and anonymous!
On October 15, 2025, the Treptow-Köpenick district office introduced a new WhatsApp channel. This channel aims to enable direct, reliable and, above all, privacy-friendly communication with citizens. In crisis situations, such as power outages or extreme weather, the channel is said to be particularly useful for quickly disseminating relevant information.
The new WhatsApp channel works similarly to a newsletter. Although posts cannot be commented on, they can be replied to and forwarded using emojis. A key advantage of this channel is data protection: subscribers remain anonymous, so that neither the district office nor other subscribers have access to user information. To subscribe to the channel, users simply need to open WhatsApp on their smartphone and follow the link provided directly. They can then activate the channel by tapping “Subscribe” and use the bell symbol to make sure they don’t miss any posts.
Supplementing existing information channels
The WhatsApp channel complements the district office's existing digital information channels, including Facebook and Instagram. However, it is important to note that no replies can be given to messages or requests via WhatsApp. Personal concerns must still be clarified by telephone, in writing or on site.
The introduction of WhatsApp channels not only represents a new communication option, but is also increasingly being used by many other companies. According to research by the Data protection notes WhatsApp is already used by around 2.96 billion unique users worldwide. With the introduction of WhatsApp Channels since June 2023, companies have the opportunity to send relevant status updates in a one-to-many broadcast format.
Data protection aspects and recommendations
However, the use of WhatsApp for these new functions also raises some data protection issues. Administrators can see which contacts have subscribed to their channel, and data such as profile names or photos of unsaved contacts are also visible. It is therefore crucial that companies wishing to operate a WhatsApp channel carefully examine the data protection regulations. It is particularly recommended to introduce a test phase to check data access and make improvements if necessary. Adapting the data protection declaration is essential to inform users about data processing by admins.
In the context of the overall security of messaging apps, experts emphasize the importance of end-to-end encryption and transparent privacy policies. While WhatsApp offers a lot in terms of security, there are concerns about data sharing with its parent company Meta. As in Guide to secure communication addressed, users should consciously choose messaging apps that ensure their privacy and offer strong security features.
Overall, the introduction of the WhatsApp channel by the Treptow-Köpenick district office represents progress in citizen communication, although its success also depends on compliance with data protection regulations.