According to reports, WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will give group administrators additional authority and control. The group admins of the Meta-owned instant messaging service might soon be able to approve new participants by adding a new option to the app. It would be simpler for group administrators to protect privacy and cut down on spam messages. The function has been seen in WhatsApp for Android beta v2.22.18.9, which is accessible through the Google Play Beta programme, although testers cannot currently access it.
A new feature that will let group administrators control who can join the group is reportedly being developed by WhatsApp, according to a report from features tracker WABetaInfo. Once available, WhatsApp group settings will have an "Approve new participants" option where group admins can approve or reject the incoming requests from people who all want to join a particular group.
The report also includes a screenshot showing the new option, giving WhatsApp users an idea of what the feature might look like when it starts rolling out. In the screenshot, the Approve new participants option is seen under the group settings menu at the bottom of edit group admins option in WhatsApp group info. WhatsApp is likely to add a new section listing all current requests of users who want to join the group.
The messaging app is rumoured to be releasing the upgrade via the Google Play Beta programme, starting with the Android v2.22.18.9 beta. As it is currently in development, beta testers cannot see the functionality.
The change occurs shortly after the Meta-owned social messaging app unveiled a new privacy feature that enables users to leave WhatsApp groups secretly without informing other members of their departure. Users will be able to leave a group secretly using this functionality, with the exception of the admins. Currently, WhatsApp displays an automatically produced notification whenever a group member leaves. This month, all users will have access to the new feature.
