This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On November 6, 2019, WhatsApp rolled out a new feature to its group chat feature, giving users more control over who can add them to groups.
Previously, anyone with a user's phone number could add them to a group chat, often for spam purposes or trolling.
However, with the latest update, WhatsApp has added a way to block strangers and friends from adding users to groups without their permission.
Users can now enable a new privacy setting by going to Settings, then Account, Privacy, Groups, and selecting 'My Contacts' or 'My Contacts Except' to control who can add them to groups.
Admins who try to add users to groups without their permission will be prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat, giving users the choice of joining the group within three days.
The update is available on both iOS and Android devices, and users can update their WhatsApp app by heading to the App Store or Google Play Store.
