In a recent report by 9to5Google (via WABetaInfo), WhatsApp is testing an advanced security feature for its app. Notably, the messenger app is now testing the ability to set last-seen on a contact-by-contact basis. This privacy feature has been demanded by WhatsApp users for quite some time now. Besides, setting last-seen on the contact-by-contact basis is a feature present on other cross-platform messaging apps, for a long time. WhatsApp already has the last-seen feature, which sits right on top of a contact for which you have enabled the feature. However, once you have disabled this feature, none of the contacts or you would see when you were online or were last seen on WhatsApp. As noted by 9To5Google, this is a solid privacy feature, but it does not provide more granular control. WhatsApp users wanted the ability to set last-seen feature per contact basis. Now, the recent teardown of the latest version of WhatsApp shows the feature under testing. WABetaInfo has found some evidence related to this feature.
The new last-seen on contact-by-contact basis feature was found in WhatsApp for iOS
Apparently, the new WhatsApp last-seen on contact-by-contact basis feature will let users use it for specific contacts. Users can omit certain contacts from seeing this information. This feature, when becomes available for everyone, would be a massive thing. Especially for those who don’t want to share information such as when they were online or last seen with everyone. With the new feature, under the Last Seen option you will see options including the usual “Everyone”, “My Contacts”, “Nobody”, and a newly added “My Contacts Except”. The new “My Contacts Except” option will let users select specific contacts they wish to hide their last seen information from. Such granular controls over privacy features are always appreciated by users. Since WhatsApp is used by billions across the globe, extra control for a privacy feature will be welcomed by many. One thing to note is that this WhatsApp last-seen on contact-by-contact basis feature was found working in WhatsApp for iOS. So, you should expect the feature to arrive (only if WhatsApp gives a nod) for iOS users first. That does not mean this feature won’t arrive for Android users. It is just a matter of time before we will see some evidence pop up on the Android version of WhatsApp as well. It is just that new features for WhatsApp land for iOS first, then it makes their way to the Android app.
