According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is developing a feature that would allow users to hide their online status. On Saturday, the point of sale shared a screenshot of new privacy settings that allow someone to decide who can see them when using the app. The feature would complement the recent adjustments introduced by WhatsApp to the functionality of the app for the last time.
Following a beta release in April, the company released an update that added a “My Contacts Except” setting, which allowed for more granular control over who can see the last time you checked the app. The problem with WhatsApp’s last visit status was that it gave contacts a way to find out if you had seen their message even if you turned off read receipts.
According to the screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, the new online status feature allows you to restrict the same people who don’t want to see your last visit status. It’s amazing that WhatsApp has taken so long to start working on such a basic privacy feature, but now that it’s finally up and running, it’s something many users will surely appreciate.