Many messaging platforms lack a blind carbon copy (BCC) feature, which is common in email services like Gmail. BCC allows senders to include recipients in a message without revealing their identities to others—ideal for professional communication, sensitive discussions, or avoiding unnecessary group replies. Currently, WhatsApp users resort to workarounds, such as separate chats, which are inefficient and error-prone.

How BCC Could Work in Messaging

One way to implement BCC in WhatsApp or similar platforms would be to add a dedicated field in the messaging interface. Here’s how it could function:

• While composing a message, users could add recipients to a BCC field, keeping them hidden from other recipients.
• Replies from BCC recipients would default to private, visible only to the sender unless explicitly forwarded.
• Optional safeguards, like a notification for BCC recipients or usage limits, could prevent misuse.

This approach could benefit professionals sending discreet updates, support group moderators, or organizers managing large announcements where full transparency isn't necessary.

Challenges and Potential Solutions

A BCC feature could face pushback over concerns like increased spam or fragmented conversations. To mitigate this, it could first be introduced as an opt-in feature for verified business accounts, with strict limits on usage. Alternatively, a lightweight MVP could test demand—for instance, a third-party tool that mimics BCC by auto-generating individual chats (though this would violate WhatsApp’s policies).

Compared to existing solutions like email or Telegram, a messaging-native BCC feature would offer real-time, mobile-friendly privacy without requiring users to switch platforms. If implemented thoughtfully, it could fill a gap for discreet communication while maintaining WhatsApp’s ease of use.