WhatsApp to Introduce New Status Forwarding Control for Users

The new feature adds an "Allow Reshare" switch within the Status Privacy settings.

By DTD- On May 17, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Meta-owned WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging platform, is preparing to roll out a new feature that gives users enhanced control over who can share their status updates.

According to tech reports, WhatsApp is testing a “forwarding toggle” feature that allows users to decide whether their contacts can reshare their status posts. The feature was first spotted in the Android beta version 2.25.16.16 and is expected to roll out globally in the coming weeks.

The new feature adds an “Allow Reshare” switch within the Status Privacy settings. When this switch is turned off, the forward icon will disappear from viewers’ screens, effectively preventing them from resending or sharing the user’s status update.

For statuses that are allowed to be forwarded, WhatsApp will maintain user privacy by hiding the original poster’s phone number and profile details in the forwarded version.

Previously, users could only control who could view their status updates. With this upcoming feature, they will also be able to manage whether their content can be reshared, adding an extra layer of privacy and control.

The update reflects WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance user privacy and offer more flexible content-sharing options.