WhatsApp Gets Restricted Group Feature to Prevent Unwanted Group Info Edits

WhatsApp has introduced a new Group Settings feature, which contains the ability to select which group participants will be able to edit group info - all participants, or group admins. The new WhatsApp feature is currently available for Android beta users only, but according to a report, it will be rolling out to all users across Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone platforms. This WhatsApp feature will allow group admins to exercise more control over the groups they manage.

According to WABetaInfo, a popular fan site that tests new WhatsApp features early, you need to have the WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.18.132 in order to see the feature. Referred to as a Restricted Group feature, group administrators will be able to find it by navigating to Group info > Group settings > Edit group info. Here, users will be able to choose who can change the group's subject, icon, and description - with two choices 1) All participants or 2) Only admins. The new Group settings section is also where administrators can assign new group admins.

"All participants can normally edit the group description, icon and subject, but finally the administrator can restrict this feature today, preventing no-administrators to modify the group description," the website said.

To recall, the Group Description feature debuted on Android and Windows Phone back in February. It is also available on iPhone. However, both the iPhone and Windows Phone platforms currently have no option to restrict any user from editing the group description, icon, or subject. As we mentioned, however, WABetaInfo claims the feature is currently rolling out to iPhone and Windows Phone users as well, though none of the iPhone units we have had yet received the functionality.

The report adds that several other group features are expected to make their way to WhatsApp soon. In testing since November, and disabled by default, are other Restricted Group features - including the ability to block all participants from being able to Send messages - including group text messages, images, videos, GIFs, documents, voice messages - or even starting a new live location session. Administrators will be able to choose whether all participants or only admins have access to these features. A participant will be able to request the admin for the ability to post, using the Message admin button.

Written with inputs from IANS