WhatsApp New Feature Allow Users to Reject Being Added to Group Chats

WhatsApp was meant to make communication easier, but in no way was it meant to frustrate users. However, when WhatsApp group feature was introduced, we all marveled before we soon found out that anyone can add you to a group that is the least of your interest.

Sometimes it is awkward to leave a group chat that your closest friends or family members added you. However, WhatsApp is currently trying out a new feature called Group Invitation that will allow you to accept or reject a group admin’s request to add you.

Although the Group Invitation has not been officially rolled out yet, iOS beta users have had the privilege of trying it out. Maybe in a few months, Android users will be able to enjoy it as well.

According to a report on WABetaInfo, when the feature is officially rolled out, both iOS and Android users will get a new option in Settings>Account>Privacy>Groups. Here, one will enable the Group Invitation system, so that whenever someone tries to add you to a WhatsApp group, you get a prompt to accept or decline the invitation to the group.

Currently, any group admin can add you to a group chat if they have your number, but with the new feature, at least you won’t have to wake up and find yourself in a random room with weird chats. You will choose where you want to be a member.

Related: WhatsApp Limits Users to Five Text Forwards to Curb Rumors

Who can send me an invitation?

Under the Group settings, you get three options that allow you to choose who can add you to a WhatsApp Group. It is more like Facebook Privacy settings where you can set who sends you a friend request or who sees your stories.

The available options will be Everyone, Contacts Only, Nobody. When you choose Nobody, for any group you are added to, you will have the liberty to accept or decline the invitation to join the group.

If you choose Contacts only, ad someone who is not in your contacts list tries to add you to a Group, then you will only see the invite prompt.

Well, if you keep the settings on Everyone, then anyone will be able to add you to a group without your permission.

Furthermore, the group chat invitation will only stay for as long as 72 hours. If by then you have not accepted the invitation, it expires, and once that happens, you will have to wait for another invite or join using a group invite link.

Meanwhile, the Facebook-owned company is tirelessly working to improve the security of the app. It recently added an app lock feature to their iOS app where users can use TouchID or FaceID to secure the app.

The company is now working on introducing the same feature to Android smartphones. The feature, at the moment, can only be enabled in Android devices through a third-party app.

That said, what a relief!

Also Read: 

Smiles For Motorists As Diesel Prices Go Further Down 

Mergers and Acquisitions that Will Shape Kenya’s Economy in 2019

More than 70% of Kenyans Use Counterfeit Goods – Smartphones Lead