Earlier this month, it was revealed that the WhatsApp beta for iOS had a new feature being built into it, though not widely available, that allows users to share status updates to a close friends list. Now, similar developments have been made with WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.25.2.
Just as with the iOS version earlier this month, the feature is still under development on Android and not yet available for beta testers. Once available, it will allow users to create a private, curated list of contacts to share more intimate moments with.
When sharing a status update, users will be able to select a default audience for them, if close friends is chosen, it will just share the update to a predefined list of contacts. A visual indicator is available in the app that shows the recipients that a status update is shared exclusively with a limited set of chosen recipients. Each user is required to manage their close friends list and nobody else will be notified if they’re added or removed.
Sharing updates with close friends is also protected with end-to-end encryption, so if any malicious actors get their hands on the contents somehow, it will be unviewable. Only the selected recipients can view the content and neither WhatsApp nor Meta have access to it. By combining encryption and selective audience controls, it ensures only those who were meant to see it will see it.
As noted earlier, this feature is still under development and not available for beta testers just yet. It will be available in a future update, but no roadmap has been provided by the social media company. The feature will likely be rolled out in phases, first to limited beta testers, then to all beta testers, then in the stable channel.
Source and image via WABetaInfo