WhatsApp users may soon have more control over their privacy settings. The messaging platform is testing the ability to adjust your “Last Seen” status visibility on a contact-by-contact basis.
Currently, folks have to dig in their settings to disable the feature, which shows other contacts when you were last online. The choices are limited to “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” and “Nobody,” and there are no allowances for individuals like family members or close friends.
As WABetaInfo reports, a pre-release version of the app appears to include a “My Contacts Except…” option, which would allow users to block specific people from seeing their latest WhatsApp activity. Based on the blog’s iOS screenshot, the function works both ways, preventing you from viewing the Last Seen setting of any contacts you restrict.
The feature is otherwise available only when deciding who can add you to groups and who can see your status. There’s no word on whether it will also roll out to “Profile Photo” and “About” settings, or whether WhatsApp is also working on an Android version.
The Facebook subsidiary is currently facing a €225 million ($266 million) fine in Europe for violating GDPR privacy laws. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which began scrutinizing WhatsApp in 2018, announced the penalty last week. According to the DPC, WhatsApp violated two GDPR obligations covering a user’s right to be informed about how their data is processed, and making those practices available “in a concise, transparent, intelligible, and easily accessible form.” Facebook opposed the decision (which originally sought a €50 million fine) and plans to appeal.
