WhatsApp is currently developing a new feature that will enable its users to share their status updates exclusively with a defined group of close friends rather than broadcasting to their entire contact list.
As reported by WABetaInfo, the platform has released a new Android beta update via the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version number to .
This update is designed to introduce superior privacy controls, making the management of who can view status updates both easier and faster. Much like Instagram’s established “Close Friends” functionality, WhatsApp aims to grant users finer control over their viewing audience.
The newly redesigned interface, which is now accessible to a select number of beta testers, appears within the drawing editor screen. At the base of the screen, users will find novel audience selection chips that visually resemble the filter options found in the Chats tab. These chips allow users to quickly switch between privacy options such as “My Contacts” and “Only Share With” without having to navigate away from the current screen.
By selecting “Only Share With,” users are able to restrict the visibility of their status to a particular, predetermined group of contacts already configured in their privacy settings. This functionality simplifies the process of sharing status content and helps prevent oversharing, ensuring that personal updates remain contained within a trusted circle. The introduction of this feature represents another step toward achieving stronger privacy and more flexible content sharing capabilities on the WhatsApp platform.
