WhatsApp could soon offer more privacy controls over your status updates
WhatsApp for Android appears to be testing a new feature that will allow users to manage privacy settings for status updates, according to details shared by a feature tracker. The feature, known as status privacy confirmation, is being tested in a beta version of the app for the Android platform. According to the report, it could allow users to quickly select their audience before sharing status updates. This development comes amid another report suggesting that WhatsApp may also be testing a new layout for the status updates page.
Status Privacy Confirmation on WhatsApp
According to WhatsApp beta function tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform’s new feature for confirming the privacy of statuses, is rolling out in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.12.27. According to the report, users will be able to see a new window where they can select the contacts with whom they want to share their status updates.
Gadgets 360 was able to verify the availability of this feature in another version of WhatsApp beta for Android. It is said to be currently available to beta testers who install WhatsApp beta through the Google Play Store beta program. Those who don’t have access to it yet will be able to get it in the coming days, it is speculated.
Privacy Confirmation Feature on WhatsApp
The screenshot shows that users now have two options when sharing status updates: All Contacts and Specific Contacts. The former option also lets them exclude certain contacts from seeing status updates, without having to change the settings individually. The feature tracker speculates that this move could give users more control over the privacy surrounding status updates.
Notably, this feature was reportedly available on WhatsApp for iOS and was introduced with app version 24.10.10.75 via the TestFlight beta program, the feature tracker claims.
New layout for status updates
The rollout of a new UI layout for the status updates page was also reported recently. It is said to be introduced with WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.12.20. A new and larger thumbnail for status updates has been introduced, replacing the existing smaller circular window, as per the claims.
It is speculated that users will be able to catch a glimpse of the status update through this thumbnail without having to open it.
