You’ll now be able to decline being added to WhatsApp groups you don’t fancy
WhatsApp has announced the addition of a new privacy setting and invite system which will help users to decide who can add them to WhatsApp groups preventing spam additions that have been a pain point for many users.
The instant messaging app is bringing an invite system for groups to essentially give users the choice of joining the group.
In in a press note on Wednesday, WhatsApp explained that through the new privacy setting and invite system, users would have more control over the group messages they receive.
To enable this feature you need to head to Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups. There you will be greeted by three options which are “Nobody,” “My Contacts,” or “Everyone.”
APPROVE REQUEST
Selecting the “Nobody” option will mean that you’ll have to approve the request for joining every group to which you’re invited. Selecting “My Contacts” would mean that you can be added to groups by people present in your contact list. “Everyone” will allow you to be added to anyone’s group even if they are not in your contact list.
In the cases of “Nobody” and “My Contacts”, the person who is inviting you to a group will be prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat, which offers you a choice to join the group. The invite will have an expiry timer of three days and you will have to respond within that time frame.
These new privacy settings will begin rolling out to some users starting Wednesday and will be available worldwide in the coming weeks to those using the latest version of WhatsApp.
The update will come as a relief to many and will ultimately silencing the serial group admins who add everyone without prompting them.
CONSENT FOR ADDITION
Users have in the past complained about being added into groups they did not consent to and often having to leave the groups.
The update will also have an option for users to change into a dark mode for power saving or so as not to strain eyes with the white background.
WhatsApp status will also be updated to have those you interact with most appearing at the top as opposed to the current feed that ranks most recent statuses at the top.
Although this feature is being rolled out to some users on Wednesday, WhatsApp users will get this feature in the coming weeks and obviously will need the most updated of WhatsApp to use it.