In 2022, privacy concerns became more important than ever before. With so much of our lives lived online, it’s no surprise that messaging apps like WhatsApp constantly seek ways to protect users’ privacy. That’s why the app has introduced a new feature that allows you to hide your online status.
The feature has been in development for several months and is currently being tested by beta users on Android. WhatsApp CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature in a statement: “We understand how important privacy is to our users, and this new feature is just one of the many ways we’re working to protect their information.”
How to Use the New Feature
To control your online status, navigate to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen and Online. Here, you’ll find the same four options for the last seen status: Everyone, Nobody, My Contacts, and My Contacts Except…
Below the last seen setting, there is a new menu where you can control your online status. You have two options: Everyone and Same as Last Seen. If you select “Everyone,” anyone on WhatsApp can see when you’re online, regardless of whether you have saved the other party’s phone number on your device. This is how WhatsApp currently works, and you can’t prevent anyone from seeing that you’re online.
However, the new feature will give you an added layer of privacy. You can configure your online status like your last seen status. You can completely hide your online status from everyone, let all your saved contacts see it, or manually select the contact who can see it. Hiding your last seen or online status will prevent you from seeing that information about other users.
Benefits of the New Feature
One of the main benefits of the new feature is that it gives users more control over their privacy. By hiding their online status, users can prevent others from knowing when they are online. This is particularly useful for people wanting to take a break from socializing or wanting to be more mindful of their time online.
TechRadar states, “This new feature is likely to be well-received by users who value their privacy. Given the growing concerns around data privacy and online security, it’s also a timely addition.”
Other Websites Reviews
As reported by The Verge, “This feature has been in high demand from WhatsApp users for years, and its introduction shows that the company is listening to its users.”
In an article by Forbes, they state that “WhatsApp has been playing catch-up to other messaging apps like Telegram and Signal, which already offer similar privacy features. It’s a smart move for WhatsApp to introduce this feature, especially given the app’s large user base.”
Conclusion
Overall, the new feature from WhatsApp is a welcome addition for users who value their privacy. With so much of our lives online, controlling who can see our online activity is important. By introducing this new feature, WhatsApp has shown that it is committed to protecting its users’ privacy and security. As always, keeping your messaging apps up-to-date is important to ensure you have access to the latest features and security patches.
