WhatsApp update! Now group chats more secure, gives users more control

WhatsApp Wednesday said it will now allow its users to decide whether they want to get added to groups on the instant messaging platform. The move assumes significance, especially ahead of elections in the country, as social media platforms are expected to play a major role in political campaigns to reach out to citizens in large numbers. “WhatsApp groups continue to connect family, friends, coworkers, classmates and more. As people turn to groups for important conversations, users have asked for more control over their experience,” the Facebook-owned company said in a statement. The messaging app has added that a new privacy setting in which an invite system will help users decide who can add them to groups.

Previously, WhatsApp users could be added to groups without their consent. To enable the feature, users can go to ‘settings’ option in WhatsApp app and select one of three options — “nobody,” “my contacts,” or “everyone.” If they choose “nobody”, users will have to approve joining every group to which they are invited. Upon choosing “my contacts” option, users from the person’s address book will be able to add them to groups.