WhatsApp is developing a new feature that gives users greater control over how their status updates are shared. First reported by WABetaInfo, the option was spotted in the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android (version 2.25.27.5) and is currently being tested with a limited group of users.
More Control With “Allow Sharing”
The update introduces a new “Allow Sharing” toggle that appears alongside the existing “Who can view” status privacy settings. Once activated, this feature will let contacts who can view your status updates reshare them with others. At the same time, users will still have the flexibility to exclude certain contacts or restrict visibility to a specific audience, ensuring privacy remains a priority.
Clear Content Labeling
To make things transparent, any status update that is reshared will carry a label at the top of the screen, helping recipients easily recognize that the content originated from another user. Importantly, while the original author will be notified whenever their update is reshared, no personal details about them will be visible to the recipients.
Beta Testing Stage
As of now, the feature is only available to participants in the Google Play Beta Program. Since it is still under development, WhatsApp has not announced an official release timeline for the wider public. However, the test signals WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to strike a balance between sharing flexibility and user privacy, particularly as status updates remain one of the platform’s most popular features.
With this update, WhatsApp aims to make statuses more dynamic and shareable while still giving users confidence that they remain in control of their content.
