The feature is like an invitation control mechanism that will let WhatsApp users decide who can add them to a group. However, as of now, the feature is a part of closed beta testing phase on iPhone called the Test Flight Program and will soon roll out to more users with the app’s next beta update on iPhone. The WhatsApp group invitation feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo, which is a Twitter account that tracks the app‘s beta updates. Although as of now it has only been spotted on the iOS version, it will soon make its way to WhatsApp for Android too. We should mention that even in the iPhone version of the app, the feature is currently inactive as it is in the early stages of development, according to reports.
But when it becomes active, it will be located in the Privacy section of the app and in order to access it users will have to head to Settings, then select Account, then go to Account. Here, they would have to select Privacy and then finally, Groups.
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) February 12, 2019 There are three options that users will be able to choose if they wish to control who can add them to groups. The first one among these is ‘Everyone’, which would mean that anyone would be able to add you to groups without sending you an invite for the same. The second option will be ‘My Contacts’, which is kind of self-explanatory. By selecting this, only those in your contact list will be able to add you to groups. Rest everyone will have to send you an invitation. The last option will be ‘Nobody’, which will block everyone from adding you to WhatsApp groups. So if anyone wishes to add you to a group, they would have to send an invite for the same. In case the invite sent by them expires, users will have to get another invite from the admin in case they wish to be a part of the group in question.
