WhatsApp testing new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option on Android
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WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option for some beta testers. This feature, available in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.26 update, gives users more control over their contact syncing experience.
With this new privacy feature, users can manage contacts across their linked devices. This means that contacts can be added, edited, or deleted from any device linked to a user’s WhatsApp account, without relying on their mobile phones. For example, people who use WhatsApp on a tablet or desktop can still modify their contact list, and those changes will automatically sync across all their linked devices, providing a more integrated experience. If users disable contact syncing for a particular account, WhatsApp will stop pulling and displaying contacts from that account. This can help maintain privacy, preventing certain contacts from appearing in their WhatsApp contact list on a secondary account.
WhatsApp uses cryptographic hashes to support another layer of privacy protection. These hashes allow WhatsApp to secure the phone numbers of contacts who don’t have WhatsApp accounts while still ensuring that they can monitor for unusual behavior, such as attempts to misuse the contact upload feature.
Despite disabling contact syncing, users can still interact with their existing contacts on WhatsApp. In addition, WhatsApp will automatically restore contacts linked to a user’s account if they switch to a new phone or reinstall the app. This allows for a smooth transition without the need to re-add or recover contacts manually.
Users have full control over their privacy preferences. If they choose to opt out of the new contact experience entirely, they can disable WhatsApp contacts in their privacy settings at any time. This makes it easier for users to maintain their privacy according to their own preferences.
This new privacy feature is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which users will get access to this new contact syncing feature first?
Which users will get access to this new contact syncing feature first?
The new privacy feature is initially available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android updates from the Google Play Store. It will be rolled out to more people over the coming weeks.
Q.How does WhatsApp ensure privacy if I disable contact syncing but still want to interact with contacts?
How does WhatsApp ensure privacy if I disable contact syncing but still want to interact with contacts?
WhatsApp uses cryptographic hashes to protect the phone numbers of contacts who do not have WhatsApp accounts. This allows them to monitor for unusual behaviour without compromising user privacy, and you can still interact with existing contacts.
Q.Can I manage my WhatsApp contacts from a device other than my mobile phone?
Can I manage my WhatsApp contacts from a device other than my mobile phone?
Yes, with this new feature, you can add, edit, or delete contacts from any device linked to your WhatsApp account. Changes made on devices like tablets or desktops will automatically sync across all linked devices.
Q.What happens to my contacts if I get a new phone or reinstall WhatsApp after disabling syncing?
What happens to my contacts if I get a new phone or reinstall WhatsApp after disabling syncing?
WhatsApp will automatically restore contacts linked to your account if you switch to a new phone or reinstall the app. This ensures a smooth transition and removes the need to manually re-add or recover them.