Brazilian WhatsApp users drive whistling-only groups to 1,024-member limit

9 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 5

In Brazil, some groups fill in under 24 hours, generate about 600 voice notes daily and even attract members of Congress.
Typing and speaking are banned, with users allowed only whistled voice notes plus emojis or stickers, while popular clips spread on TikTok and Google searches for whistling hit a record in April.
Administrators have begun closing groups overnight and requiring at least one whistle a day, as women-only offshoots emerge and some users warn of security risks from open invitation links.

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