Users now have three options to select from - "Nobody, ' 'My Contacts" or 'Everyone.' Previously, WhatsApp users could be added to groups without their consent.
The update will come as a relief to many and will ultimately silencing the serial group admins who add everyone without prompting them. Here, users can choose to alter the settings for the WhatsApp groups to: "Nobody", "My Contacts," or "Everyone." .
In an effort to reduce spam and spread of misinformation, WhatsApp today announced a new privacy control feature that will allow you to control who can add you to group chats.
The Indian government had been asking WhatsApp to ensure user consent before being added to WhatsApp groups.
The invite system was long-awaited as users will now be able to decline being added to groups they do not wish to join. If you click on this link within 72 hours, you'll be added to the group. With the "My Contacts" option, only contacts in the user's address book can add them to groups.
In a related development, WhatsApp is testing 'reverse image search' feature, which will help user fact check whether the photo is fake or original.
It seems WhatsApp isn't halting yet, the company has now introduced more convenient, or you can say a controlled feature to the messaging platform.
Users can find it by going to the "Settings" menu, and then selecting Account Privacy Groups. "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.
If you decide on the nobody option, then no one in your contact list is able to add you to a group without sending you an invite. You'll have three days to accept the invite and if you don't reply, it expires automatically.
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.