WhatsApp for Android Tests Enhanced Privacy Controls for Status Updates

WhatsApp for Android is reportedly testing a new feature that enhances user control over the privacy settings of status updates. According to WABetaInfo, a feature tracker, the new “status privacy confirmation” is being tested in a beta version of the app. This feature aims to allow users to quickly select their audience before sharing status updates.

Status Privacy Confirmation on WhatsApp

The new status privacy confirmation feature is rolling out in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.12.27. Users may encounter a new window that enables them to choose the contacts with whom they wish to share their status updates. Gadgets 360 verified the availability of this feature in another beta version of WhatsApp for Android. Currently, it is accessible to beta testers who have installed the app via the Google Play Store beta program, with wider availability expected in the coming days.

The feature provides two options for sharing status updates: “All contacts” and “Specific contacts.” The “All contacts” option also includes an ability to exclude certain contacts without changing settings individually, offering users more control over their privacy.

New Layout for Status Updates

In addition to enhanced privacy controls, WhatsApp is also testing a new layout for the status updates page in the beta version 2.24.12.20. The new UI includes a larger thumbnail for status updates, replacing the previous smaller circular window. This change is designed to allow users to preview status updates from the thumbnail without having to open them.

These developments reflect WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and privacy controls, ensuring that users have more granular control over their interactions on the platform.