This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
November 7, 2019
WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that gives users more control over who can add them to group chats, a move that is expected to be a relief to many who have been dragged into unwanted groups.
The feature, which was first tested with a select group of users earlier this year, allows users to choose who can add them to groups, providing a welcome solution for those frequently added to funeral, wedding, or business groups without their permission.
According to WhatsApp, the new feature is a result of user feedback, with the company keen to improve user experience. The feature is now available to all users, and can be accessed by opening the app settings, scrolling to account, followed by privacy, and then groups.
Users will be provided with three options: Everyone, My Contacts Except, and My Contacts. The Everyone option gives anyone who has your number the freedom to add you to a group anytime they please, while the My Contacts option means that only friends will be able to add you.
WhatsApp has replaced the Nobody option with My Contacts Except, which will allow select contacts to add you to a group. However, people you have blocked from adding you to a group will still be able to send you an invitation via private message.
“Today, we’re introducing a new privacy setting and invite system to help you decide who can add you to groups,” said WhatsApp in a statement. “With these new features, users will have more control over the group messages they receive. These new privacy settings will begin rolling out to some users starting today and will be available worldwide in the coming days to those using the latest version of WhatsApp.”
