The “WhatsApp” instant messaging application has launched a new feature that allows users to publish their status updates to people who are not registered in the contact list, in a step aimed at expanding the circle of potential viewers of these updates.
This feature represents a significant shift in the nature of privacy within the Meta app, raising questions about how to control who can see status updates and ensure that users’ personal privacy is maintained.
Experts in the field of technology have indicated that this feature may contribute to increasing the spread of content shared by users, but in return it requires greater awareness of the options available to control privacy to avoid sharing information with unwanted parties.
The company confirmed that it will provide users with the ability to easily manage this feature, including determining who can see the status from outside the contact list, in order to ensure a balance between expanding the scope of interaction and preserving privacy.
The new feature, which has begun to appear gradually for app users in certain regions and on the latest versions of “Android,” “iOS,” and the web version, allows users to view status updates for people who are not registered in Contacts, provided that there is a previous interaction between the two parties, such as exchanging a message or making a recent call.
According to reports, this feature expands the audience who can see your status. Previously, only users whose number you saved in contacts and who have your number saved could see your status updates.
But now people you’ve recently interacted with, even if their numbers aren’t saved, can see your status. The feature is based on the history of interaction between users. If you message or call someone, even if you haven’t saved their number, your status updates may automatically appear to them.
But only the phone number and name will be visible to the recipient, without the number being automatically saved in contacts.
WhatsApp says that this change is being implemented gradually and will not be available to all users at the same time, and privacy is still manageable through the application settings for sharing status.
Users’ feedback:
This update has sparked mixed reactions from app users, as some believe it may facilitate communication and give greater flexibility in sharing content with unsaved contacts.
While others expressed concerns about privacy, saying that allowing people whose numbers are not saved to see status updates may be undesirable in some cases.
This update coincides with a series of new features that WhatsApp is testing in 2026, including improvements to the application’s security and general user experiences, in light of strong competition with other messaging applications.
Privacy and choices:
To maintain user privacy, privacy options remain available so the user can limit who sees status updates through the app settings, including excluding certain people or limiting it only to contacts.
As the feature continues to be gradually rolled out, users are advised to review their privacy settings regularly to ensure they align with their preferences.
