The world’s most popular messaging app, WhatsApp, is preparing to globally launch a new feature called ‘Tagging People in Status Updates,’ which has been in development since March. This new feature is currently available to beta users on Android.
WhatsApp Status Updates to Resemble Instagram
According to reliable sources like WABetaInfo, this new feature is being tested in WhatsApp’s 2.24.20.3 beta version. Using the feature is straightforward: while sharing a photo or video, you can click on the “@” icon next to the description field to tag someone in your Status update. This action sends a notification to the tagged person.
When you tag someone, they receive a notification and can share the Status update with their own followers using a repost button. However, there’s a notable difference from Instagram’s repost system: on WhatsApp, the identity of the original Status owner remains hidden.
An important security vulnerability was found in WhatsApp's View Once feature. Accordingly, it is possible to save one-time images.
To summarize: If you tag someone in a new Status update, even if the tagged person shares the Status with their followers, the original poster’s identity will not be visible. Moreover, the tagged person is only visible to you; other Status viewers cannot see or access the tagged person’s information.
The exact timeline for when WhatsApp will roll out this feature to all users is not yet clear. However, Android users interested in testing this feature can join WhatsApp’s beta program for a chance to try it out. This update is expected to increase interaction in Status updates and make WhatsApp more similar to social media platforms like Instagram.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this update in the comments!
