• Source:JND

WhatsApp Status needs more privacy controls, and it seems like finally, they’re going in. WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature that will allow me to share Status updates with only a few contacts, much like Instagram’s Close Friends option. If it’s ever available, it could make sharing personal updates less of a chore without people having to fiddle with least common denominator privacy settings.

WhatsApp Working on Close Friends Ring Indicator for Status

The Close Friends feature for Status updates has been spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.5.13. The feature is still in the works and has no official release timeline. Beta testers in those countries are said to receive early access, though, before it goes on a wider rollout.

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The feature is reported to have custom contact lists for Status updates already in place. This is much better than modifying the visibility manually for every status update to put into place a list of personalised contacts. The new Close Friends list seems to be a distillation of that idea, but honing in on private sharing.

How the Close Friends Feature Could Work

According to what I understand, WhatsApp could provide two options for controlling the Close Friends list. I would then be able to choose contacts in the Status privacy settings, adding/removing contacts from the list on the fly while navigating to the Status screen. The list would still be editable, but any changes would affect only future Statuses.

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It is also fun to note that they actually have a "sign" showing the place you are at. Contacts who are on my Close Friends list will see a different coloured ring around the profile picture to show that Status was shared with them privately. This seems very much like the way Close Friends operates on Instagram.

More Paid Features Could Be on the Way

Reports also indicate Meta is working on an optional subscription plan for WhatsApp that could provide access to premium stickers, themes and more pinning features in a chat.


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