WhatsApp has always faced different criticisms regarding its privacy. Despite having message encryption and being considered a fairly safe app, its massive use makes it, whether we like it or not, a source of scams and leaks. And, beyond that, also because of the component that the chat has to make us feel ‘watched’ by our own contacts or work colleagues.
Seeing if we participate in groups, what photos we have or if we are ‘online’ are some features that the Meta-owned application has been refining over the years to add layers of privacy that give us control over who can know or see certain things and who cannot.
At least, until now, because the latest WhatsApp beta reveals what for many is a step back in privacy.
Step back in privacy? The changes that WhatsApp plans for the ‘online’ function
WhatsApp is implementing a new feature that promises to revitalize interactions within its platform but also raises serious questions about user privacy.
This is the “recently online” indicator, which will show contacts if a user was last active directly in the call interface, when viewing the list of contacts.
This feature adds to the existing “online” (which here we explain how you can make it not visible) creating a new level of visibility on the user’s activity in the application.
Also, a new feature called “Start chatting” appears in the beta, aimed at facilitating interaction with newly added contacts without the need to search the entire chat list.
The origin (and meaning) of the new feature
We know about these changes thanks to an analysis of the code of the beta version carried out by the specialized portal WABetaInfo.
Apparently, WhatsApp has decided to develop this functionality of ‘recently online’ on the call screen, showing a list of contacts who have used the application shortly before, presumably to indicate a good time to call without bothering too much.
Privacy vs. Convenience
The convenience of knowing when it is less likely to interrupt someone clashes with the potential invasion of privacy. The continuous visibility of our online activities always raises questions about the right to privacy in the digital age.
Where do we draw the line between being accessible and maintaining a private space in which to disconnect?
The other novelty (better received)
Furthermore, WhatsApp seems to be introducing another novelty called ‘Start chatting’. This new section will be displayed in the list of chats and will highlight contacts recently added to the user’s agenda.
Although it may seem surprising, WhatsApp has been talking about this feature for approximately 5 years, without implementing it even though many consider it essential.
Once this feature is available in the global version, users will no longer have to manually search for a newly added contact. In most cases, this will prevent the need to close and reopen the application to update the contact list.
