WhatsApp to add status reshare option in future update

WhatsApp is developing a new optional feature that will allow users to reshare and forward status updates, expected to be rolled out in a future update.

The new feature will let users of Meta's popular instant messaging app decide whether their status updates can be shared, or scheduled for release in a future update, WABetaInfo reported.

Currently, the ability to share a WhatsApp status update is limited. Users can only share a specific update if they are directly mentioned in it by one of their contacts, who then has the option to publish that mentioned status.

There is no existing mechanism for users to reshare regular status updates on their own unless they are tagged in them.

Once the new feature is rolled out, a tooltip will appear when attempting to share a status update. This tooltip will inform users that they can choose whether or not to allow others to share their status updates.

A dedicated toggle will give users full control over this option, although it is disabled by default to ensure a private experience for all users from the outset.

Others will only be able to reshare status updates with their contacts if the user explicitly enables the toggle.

When a contact's status update is shared, the resharing process will remain entirely private, as WhatsApp has designed this feature to ensure that sensitive information is protected at all times.

Specifically, the phone number of the user who originally posted the status update will never be visible to those who receive or view the reshared content. This privacy measure applies universally, regardless of how many times a status update is shared.