WhatsApp is Working on Preventing Strangers From Viewing Your Last Seen, Online Status Updates
WhatsApp is reportedly implementing new privacy safeguards to make it more difficult for people to learn about your last seen status and online presence on the platform.
The update is not yet available to all users, but it is said to be available to some on Android and iOS.
It would allow you to remain private while also preventing third-party apps from allowing people to stalk WhatsApp users. In addition to the privacy-focused update, WhatsApp has released a new animated sticker pack called Encanto, which can be downloaded from the app’s official WhatsApp Sticker Store.
According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working to improve user privacy by limiting your last seen and online status update from people you don’t know or haven’t chatted with. Some users were the first to notice the update. WhatsApp Support appears to have also confirmed the rollout of the privacy enhancement.
WhatsApp has been contacted by Gadgets 360 for comment on the new measures. When the company responds, this report will be updated.
Earlier this year, cybersecurity firm Traced discovered apps and services that allowed users to silently track others on WhatsApp. The messaging app does not allow you to disable or change your online status, but it does allow you to disable your Last Seen status from unknown people.
According to Traced, many WhatsApp online status trackers marketed themselves as a way to help people know when their contacts come online on the app, despite the fact that they could simply be used by cyber-stalkers to monitor others.
Cyberstalking apps are not permitted in app stores, including Google Play. However, there are several apps available in these stores that claim to be a solution for keeping parents and partners informed of their loved ones’ WhatsApp online status.
Along with the privacy-focused feature, WhatsApp has released the Encanto sticker pack, which is available for download on both the Android and iOS platforms. It comes with 14 animated stickers that can be used in chats. WABetaInfo was the first to notice the pack.
You can download the Encanto sticker pack through the WhatsApp Sticker Store by tapping the plus (+) button in the stickers section on the app. Alternatively, you can get the pack by accessing its deep link on your phone.
