WhatsApp to Empower Users with Status Privacy Controls: Choosing Who Sees Your Updates

Ever wished you could share a WhatsApp Status update with only a select group of people? Well, WhatsApp is listening! The popular messaging app is working on a new feature that will allow users to control who sees their Status updates.

More Control Over Who Sees Your WhatsApp Status

Many users have found themselves holding back on sharing content due to limitations in privacy settings. According to a report by WA Beta Info, WhatsApp is finally addressing this concern. Similar to Instagram's "Close Friends" list, WhatsApp is developing a feature that lets users choose exactly who can view their Status updates.

This news comes from the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS (version 24.10.10.75), available through the TestFlight app. The update introduces audience control for Status updates. Screenshots shared by WA Beta Info reveal a new audience selector when creating image and video Status updates. This ensures users can review their chosen audience before posting, guaranteeing their content reaches the intended recipients.

Selecting Your Audience for Status Updates

Before sharing a Status update, users will be able to select their preferred audience from their contact list. This empowers users to tailor their sharing experience and choose who gets to see their updates. This increased level of customization reflects WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and content management.

Inspiration from Instagram's "Close Friends" Feature

Social media platforms like Instagram already offer features like "Close Friends," allowing users to share content with a curated list. WhatsApp seems to be taking a similar approach with its Status update audience control.

In addition to audience control, WhatsApp is reportedly developing a feature for mentioning contacts in Status updates. These mentions will be private, with only the tagged individual being notified. This builds upon an earlier report by WABetaInfo regarding private mentions in Status updates.

This new functionality will allow users to directly notify specific contacts by mentioning them within their Status updates. This ensures these contacts stay informed and engaged, while maintaining privacy for the broader audience. While still under development, details are emerging about how users will be notified when they're mentioned in a Status update.

Conclusion

WhatsApp's upcoming features are set to provide users with more control and privacy over their status updates. By allowing users to customize their audience and privately mention contacts, WhatsApp aims to improve the sharing experience and ensure that content reaches the intended recipients. As these features are still in the testing phase, we can expect more updates and refinements in the near future.