WhatsApp Will Show User Status to Unlisted Numbers

WhatsApp testing new feature (photo: dok. unsplash)

JAKARTA - WhatsApp is testing a feature to share status to numbers that are not saved. This feature has been launched to a number of WhatsApp users to see the feedback on the feature.

Even though it is shared to a number that is not saved, the concept is not like Instagram where everyone can search for your number and see your latest status. People with unlisted numbers can only see your status if there is an interaction in the form of a message or a phone call.

This feature is designed to connect users based on the latest communication history. If a user has just contacted someone, that person will be included in the list of status recipients even if they have not been saved as a contact.

The status display of this foreign number will have its own characteristics so that it is easy to distinguish by users. The sender's name will be preceded by a tilde (~) and followed by their full phone number, just like what users see in groups.

To avoid user concerns, WhatsApp said that this feature will not trigger a spike in spam. The reason is that status updates can only be seen by unstored numbers if the previous communication is two-way.

Privacy will also be maintained because all interaction processing is done directly on the user's device. This latest communication log data is not stored on WhatsApp's central server for data security.

However, some users may still be annoyed by this feature because their numbers can be shared with delivery people who contact them via WhatsApp. Fortunately, there is a feature to solve the problem.

If you feel disturbed, users can hide status from unwanted accounts. Users who want to limit status updates to unstored numbers can switch to the 'Only Share With' option to select specific contacts.