WhatsApp has introduced new restrictions on group chats in its beta app. The new “admin review” feature for WhatsApp will then allow group admins to monitor and moderate messages. Admins will have the right to approve messages and share them in the group.
Messages in WhatsApp groups will require admin review
Currently being tested in the WhatsApp beta for Android, the feature will allow group participants to report specific messages to administrators. Administrators will be able to review the reported messages and, if necessary, remove a message for all participants. Currently, an administrator has the ability to delete messages.
With the new feature, WhatsApp gives admins more control over group chats. Currently, admins can only delete messages after they have been sent, which means that risky content can be shared in the group at any time.
With the new feature, harmful or abusive messages can be flagged before they are seen by everyone. However, it should be noted that admin reviews will not be mandatory for groups. It will be accessible from the group settings screen and reported messages will appear in a special section for administrators to review.
The admin review feature is the latest in a series of moderation tools WhatsApp is rolling out. In recent weeks, the messaging app has rolled out the ability to filter chats from unknown numbers.
WhatsApp has a base of more than 2 billion users worldwide. It has therefore been criticized for spreading misinformation and abuse. However, the new executive reviews will be opened to all users in the coming months.