Meta has introduced a significant update to its platform's contact forms by adding WhatsApp number collection capability alongside the traditional phone number field. This new feature expands the communication options available to businesses and users on Meta's platforms.
The platform now includes a dedicated field for WhatsApp numbers in its default contact forms, complementing the existing basic phone number option. This addition particularly benefits situations where standard phone numbers might be unavailable or unused.
Technical Implementation Questions
The implementation of this feature raises several technical considerations regarding data sourcing and automation. Key questions surrounding the update include:
- The source of WhatsApp contact information for auto-completion
- Potential integration with locally installed WhatsApp applications
- The relationship between standard phone numbers and WhatsApp numbers in the system
- Manual entry requirements and verification processes
While the exact mechanism for data population remains unclear, the system may potentially leverage existing WhatsApp installations on users' devices for data integration. The platform's approach to handling this additional contact information and its auto-completion capabilities will be important factors in the feature's effectiveness.
