WhatsApp is frequently adding new features to its platform. But it’s fair to say that the app is usually late to bring some features compared to services like Signal and Telegram. We’re now learning of an important update to WhatsApp that could allow group admins or moderators to delete messages sent by members.
In its current form, WhatsApp only allows the people who posted the original message to delete them. WABetaInfo reveals that the new inclusion is part of WhatsApp beta 2.22.1.1 (via). This could help keep groups free from spam or inappropriate messages.
If you want to stop people from adding you to WhatsApp groups, we recommend checking out this detailed explainer.
One of the primary concerns with larger WhatsApp groups is that members can send anything they want, with the admins having zero control over it. The only remedy right now is to remove the individuals from the group, thus restricting them from sending any messages in the future. With this in mind, this new feature could enhance the experience of millions on WhatsApp, particularly group admins.
The feature is currently in the testing phase, with no clarity on a wider rollout
WhatsApp will display a message reading “This was deleted by an admin” whenever a moderator deletes a group member’s message. This feature also has the advantage of moderating content on the group without removing the individuals.
We must note that the feature is in testing right now, so it’s not quite ready for a wider rollout. But if everything goes according to plan, the feature should arrive on the stable channel not too long from now.
This is one of the several features currently being tested by the messaging client. A recent report talked about new privacy additions coming to WhatsApp that bars unknown contacts from viewing the “last seen” or online status of users. The company later said that the feature was implemented to “improve the privacy and security” of WhatsApp customers.
Separately, WhatsApp beta got the ability to hide last seen from selected individuals via the “My Contacts Except…” setting under Privacy options.
The chat app also started testing in-app payments in the U.S. with Novi, Meta’s digital wallet app. The feature allows users to quickly send or receive Pax Dollar (USPD) without leaving the app. This is somewhat different from the WhatsApp Pay service, which operates in India and Brazil.
2021-12-21 15:08:06