WhatsApp Introduces New Status Sharing Control Feature for Enhanced Privacy

WhatsApp, the world’s most widely used instant messaging application, is once again making headlines with the rollout of a brand-new feature aimed at enhancing user privacy and control. As part of its continuous effort to improve the overall user experience and stay ahead of competing platforms such as Telegram and Signal, WhatsApp has begun testing a status sharing toggle feature that allows users to manage how their statuses are forwarded or shared by others.

This latest addition is part of a broader strategy by WhatsApp to introduce a variety of user-focused features in 2025. The platform has already added several improvements this year, including message editing, enhanced privacy tools, and new customization options for chats. The upcoming feature builds upon this momentum by providing greater control over one of WhatsApp’s core social functions—status updates.

New Forwarding Control: What It Means

According to recent technology reports, WhatsApp is testing a forwarding toggle button that will give users more control over who can share their status updates. This control feature, first spotted in the Android beta version 2.25.16.16, is currently being tested by select beta users and is expected to be rolled out globally in the coming weeks.

Check out our detailed article about WhatsApp to Stop Working on iPhone Older Versions Starting May 2025.

With this new option, users will be able to decide whether any of their contacts can forward or re-share their status. This is a significant development, as until now, WhatsApp users could only choose who was able to view their status—there was no control over whether those viewers could share it further.

The toggle will be incorporated into the Status Privacy Settings, where users can easily switch the feature on or off. When turned off, this new toggle—referred to internally as the “bonfire” switch—will disable the forward icon for anyone viewing the status. In practical terms, this means that your status updates cannot be forwarded or shared to other chats or contact lists if you’ve disabled the setting.

Enhanced Privacy with New Sharing Controls

This development comes as part of WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to user privacy. The company has already taken steps in the past few years to implement end-to-end encryption across messages, calls, and media shared on the platform. Now, it appears that privacy in social sharing—specifically, in the realm of WhatsApp Status—is receiving a similar treatment.

Check out Cybersecurity Crisis: 19 Billion Passwords Leaked in a Year, Experts Warn.

The “bonfire” switch, when activated, will also ensure that the shared status cannot reveal the original sender’s phone number or profile information. This additional layer of protection prevents misuse and ensures anonymity when a status is viewed by someone other than the original viewer. This is especially important for users who value discretion and prefer to keep their digital footprint minimal.

For users who prefer openness and wider reach, the feature can simply be left on. When enabled, it allows your contacts to share your status updates within their chats or even post it on their own status feeds. This offers a flexible solution, catering to both privacy-conscious users and those who are more socially active on the platform.

A Strategic Move by WhatsApp

The introduction of the status-sharing toggle is seen as a smart and strategic response to user feedback and competitive pressure. Rival messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal have also been stepping up their privacy offerings. In order to maintain its leading position in the messaging space, WhatsApp must continuously adapt and innovate.

By offering more nuanced privacy controls, WhatsApp ensures that its users feel safer while sharing personal content. This kind of user empowerment is critical in today’s digital landscape, where data privacy concerns are at an all-time high.

How to Access the New Feature

As of now, the feature is available to users who are part of the WhatsApp Beta Program for Android. The toggle appears under Settings > Privacy > Status, where users can find the new "bonfire" switch. Once officially rolled out, it will become available on both Android and iOS devices, though the exact release date for the stable version has not yet been confirmed.

Conclusion

With this new feature, WhatsApp continues to evolve as more than just a messaging platform—it’s a privacy-centric communication tool that understands the varying needs of its global user base. Whether you’re someone who likes to share frequent updates or someone who prefers to keep your circle small, the status-sharing toggle gives you the power to choose how your content is distributed.

As more users become aware of their digital rights and privacy, features like this one are no longer optional—they are essential. Keep an eye out for updates in the coming weeks as WhatsApp prepares for a wider rollout of this much-anticipated feature.