New WhatsApp channel in Treptow-Köpenick: Direct information for everyone!

New WhatsApp channel in Treptow-Köpenick: Direct information for everyone!

On September 1, 2025, the Treptow-Köpenick district office announced the introduction of a new WhatsApp channel that will enable direct and data protection-friendly communication with residents. This offer aims to provide important information and status reports quickly and reliably in crisis situations, such as power outages or extreme weather conditions. The way the channel works is similar to a newsletter: Subscribers cannot comment on posts, but can react with emojis and forward them. Data protection aspects play a crucial role because both the district office and other subscribers cannot see the users, which promotes anonymous communication.

To use the new channel, residents simply need to open WhatsApp on their smartphone and use the direct link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAtBkqEAKWEvI5gkV1G click. They can then tap “Subscribe” at the top right and activate the bell symbol so that they don’t miss any posts. This latest addition expands the district office's existing digital information channels, which also include Facebook and Instagram. However, it is important to note that replies to messages or inquiries via WhatsApp are not possible - personal concerns can still be clarified by telephone, in writing or on site.

Data protection and use of WhatsApp channels

The use of instant messenger apps such as WhatsApp is widespread in many people's everyday lives. According to a forecast by Statista Research Department, the number of unique users worldwide will be around 2.96 billion in June 2024. WhatsApp has established itself as the standard for private communication and is also becoming increasingly important for companies. WhatsApp Business was introduced for small businesses in 2018 and the so-called “WhatsApp Channels” have been available as a new service for companies since June 2023. These channels enable one-to-many broadcasts that can be used for relevant status reports.

Nevertheless, the operational use of a WhatsApp channel is not without data protection problems. The administration of such a channel can be viewed as data processing. The admins can see which contacts subscribe to the channel, which means that the profile name and photo of unsaved contacts can be viewed. Implementation in compliance with data protection regulations is therefore essential. Before implementing a channel, data processing and data protection aspects should be checked to ensure transparency for users. An adjustment to the data protection declaration is also necessary in order to explain the data processing by the admins.

Secure communication in the digital space

In today's digital world, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram play a central role in communication. The security of personal information is crucial. Features like end-to-end encryption protect the content of conversations from unauthorized access. Users should therefore choose messaging apps that offer such security features and inform themselves about how their data is handled. Unprotected communication poses risks such as identity and data theft.

It is advisable to use strong passwords and carry out regular reviews of privacy settings to increase the security of communications. While WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, there are privacy concerns due to its data sharing with Meta Platforms Inc. Alternatives such as Signal and Threema are considered privacy-friendly options, with Signal known for its transparent security protocols and ad-free funding. Users should consciously choose messaging apps that take their privacy and security seriously.