WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy setting that will allow users to control who can add them to group chats.
At the moment, it is possible for anyone to add you to a WhatsApp group, as long as they have your mobile number – which can be very annoying if you have no interest in the topic of conversation.
The new privacy setting forces other users to send you an invitation to the group, which you can choose to accept or decline, meaning you’ll only be added to groups you want to be a part of.
The feature is already available to some WhatsApp users in India, and will be rolled out worldwide in the coming weeks via an app update, according to International Business Times .
After installing the update, users will be able to adjust their preferences by going into to Settings in their app, then tapping Account > Privacy > Groups.
They will then be asked to select one of three options: “Nobody”, “My Contacts” or “Everyone”.
If you select “Nobody”, you will have to approve joining every group to which you’re invited, and “My Contacts” means only users you have in your address book can add you to groups.
In both of those cases, the person inviting you to a group will be prompted to send a private invitation through an individual chat, giving you the choice of joining the group.
You’ll have three days to accept the invitation and, if you don’t reply, it expires automatically.
If you select “Everyone”, all those in your contacts and also unknown random people can just add you into a group chat without your permission.
“WhatsApp groups continue to connect family, friends, coworkers, classmates and more,” WhatsApp said in a statement.
“As people turn to groups for important conversations, users have asked for more control over their experience.
“Today, we’re introducing a new privacy setting and invite system to help you decide who can add you to groups.
“With these new features, users will have more control over the group messages they receive.”