This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
On November 7, 2019, WhatsApp, a popular messaging app owned by Facebook, introduced a new feature that gives users more control over group chats.
With over 1.5 billion users globally, WhatsApp boasts a massive user base, and this new feature is set to benefit millions of people who hate being added to group chats without their consent.
The latest update for Android and iOS devices allows users to decide who, if anyone, can add them to new groups.
To enable this feature, users need to go to Settings in their app, then tap Account > Privacy > Groups and select one of three options: “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” or “My Contacts Except…”
“My Contacts” means only users you have in your address book can add you to groups, while “My Contacts Except” provides additional control for who among your contacts can add you to a group.
In cases where an admin cannot add you to a group, they will be prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat, giving you the choice of joining the group. You’ll have three days to accept the invite before it expires.
According to WhatsApp, “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,”
