ISLAMABAD: WhatsApp is working on a new feature that lets users reshare and forward status updates. It will be optional and available in a future update.
Users of Meta’s messaging app can choose if their status updates can be shared. This option is expected to be released soon, according to tech media.
Right now, sharing a WhatsApp status is limited. Users can only share a status if they are mentioned in it by a contact, who can then publish it.
There’s no way to reshare regular status updates unless a user is tagged in them. When the feature launches, a tooltip will appear when trying to share a status. It will let users decide whether to allow others to share their status updates.
A toggle will give users control over this setting. It’s off by default to keep things private. Others can only reshare status updates with their contacts if the user turns on the toggle.
When a status is reshared, the process stays private. WhatsApp ensures sensitive information is protected.
The original poster’s phone number will not be visible to those who see the reshared status, no matter how many times it’s shared.
WhatsApp is the most used messaging app, with over 3.5 billion users worldwide. Its simple interface and security features make it popular. The app often adds new features for users. Recently, it introduced music for status updates.
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Tech media, which tracks WhatsApp updates, shared details about this feature. It’s being tested in the Android beta version 2.25.16.16. WhatsApp posted about it on its social media platform X.
Media reports shared a screenshot of the feature. After the rollout, users can decide if their status can be reshared. A toggle will let them control this. If someone likes a status, they can share it, but only if the original poster allows it.
Separately, WhatsApp has added a new privacy feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. It lets users stop others from sharing conversation content in regular chats and groups.
WhatsApp said this setting, available for both chats and groups, helps keep content within the app when users want more privacy.
When turned on, the optional feature stops others from exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phone, or using messages for AI features. However, users can still take screenshots or manually download media.
The messaging service said this feature is useful for sensitive group conversations, especially when users may not know everyone well.
WhatsApp is rolling out the feature to all users with the latest app version. This news follows a €200 million ($227 million) fine from the European Commission to Meta for breaking the Digital Markets Act.
The fine was for forcing users into a “pay or consent” model without offering a less personalized alternative for those who do not consent.
