WhatsApp To Let Users Control Who Can Reshare Status Updates: Here’s What We Know

WhatsApp could soon give users tighter control over how their status updates are shared. The Meta-owned messaging giant is said to be testing a new privacy feature that lets people decide exactly who can reshare their status posts. The move is aimed at giving users more confidence when sharing personal updates. Also Read: How To Translate Messages On WhatsApp? Steps HERE

The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo in the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.27.5. A new toggle called “Allow Sharing” has been added alongside status viewing options. Once enabled, users who can view a status update will also have the ability to reshare it. However, the feature is turned off by default and needs to be manually activated. Also Read: 7 Best WhatsApp Tips And Tricks You Should Try In 2025

More Privacy Choices for Users

The update doesn’t stop at resharing permissions. WhatsApp will also allow users to apply privacy filters when enabling the feature. This means status updates can be shared with everyone in the contact list, only with selected contacts, or with specific exclusions. In such cases, only the people who were allowed to view the update will be able to reshare it on their own status feed.

To keep things clear, any status that gets reshared will carry a visible label at the top, so viewers know it’s not the original post. On top of that, WhatsApp will also send a notification to the original author whenever their update has been reshared, ensuring users stay in the loop. Importantly, the app clarifies that personal details of the original user will remain hidden from viewers of the reshared update.

Beta Testing Underway

At the moment, the feature is only available to beta testers enrolled through the Google Play Beta Programme. WABetaInfo notes that it is still under development and could take some time before being released to all users. A wider rollout for testing is expected in the coming weeks.

If rolled out globally, the update will give users greater confidence in deciding how far their personal status updates can travel across the platform.