WhatsApp introduces new feature to improve user privacy

WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out “My Contacts Except…” privacy feature, allowing users to control who can see their information on WhatsApp, Report informs referring to NDTV.

The instant messaging app is also releasing a new interface for Contact Info and Group Info for specific Android beta testers, as per a separate report. This interface was previously only available when viewing Business Info. Separately, Android beta users are also getting an updated Disappearing Messages feature.

This feature allows users to choose among 24 hours, seven days, and 90 days ephemeral durations as default message timer for disappearing chats. Thirdly, WhatsApp has made an improvement to its multi-device feature.

The “My Contacts Except…” option is being introduced with WhatsApp beta for Android 2.21.23.14 update, as per WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo. This feature allows users to choose who can see their information such as “Last Seen” status, profile photo, and “About” description on WhatsApp. This will be a fourth option along with Everyone, My Contacts, and Nobody on the Last Seen settings menu.

Users have to select the contacts who they don't wish to share information with from the “My Contacts Except…” option. The contacts not selected here will continue to be able to see all information as they did earlier.

Additionally, if a user disables their Last Seen for specific contacts, they won't be able to see their Last Seen status either. This rule for Last Seen does not apply to About and Profile Photo.