WhatsApp To Introduce Instagram-Style Close Friends Option To Enhance Status Privacy

As cyber threats continue to grow, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new privacy feature that will give users greater control over who sees their status updates. The popular messaging platform is planning to introduce a "Close Friends" status option, similar to the feature already available on Instagram.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature is still under development and has been spotted in recent WhatsApp beta updates beta versions 2.26.5.11 and 2.26.5.13 for Android. Once rolled out, the feature will allow users to share selected status updates only with a chosen set of contacts, rather than their entire contact list.

What Is The 'Close Friends' List?

The concept behind the Close Friends list is straightforward. Rather than sharing every update with all contacts or repeatedly adjusting privacy settings, users will be able to create a smaller, customised audience for more personal updates.

This feature is aimed at users who often hesitate to post a status because they do not want everyone to see it. With the Close Friends status option, sharing a private photo, thought, or moment becomes easier and more comfortable.

Users will be able to manage their Close Friends list either through the Status privacy settings or directly while posting a status update. This reduces the need to navigate through multiple menus just to control visibility.

The list will remain flexible, allowing users to add or remove contacts at any time. Any changes made will apply only to future status updates. However, there is one important limitation - if a contact has already viewed a status shared with the Close Friends list, removing them later will not reverse that view. Once a status is seen, it cannot be undone.

To avoid confusion, WhatsApp is also expected to visually distinguish these updates. Contacts included in the Close Friends list may see a different-coloured ring around the user's profile picture, indicating that the status was shared with a limited audience rather than all contacts.

At present, the Close Friends feature is still under development and not available to the general public. WhatsApp has not announced an official rollout timeline. However, once launched, the feature could make WhatsApp Status feel more personal and less like a public broadcast.

What Else Is New On WhatsApp?

Recently, the Meta-owned platform also began rolling out a new privacy and security feature called 'Strict Account Settings'. This option is designed to protect users from advanced cyber threats and unauthorised access.

Under this setting, media files and attachments from unknown contacts are blocked, link previews are disabled, and calls from unfamiliar numbers are automatically silenced. Profile details and online activity are visible only to trusted contacts. Group controls have also been tightened, ensuring that only approved or known contacts can add users to new groups.

Together, these updates reflect WhatsApp's growing focus on privacy, security, and giving users more control over their digital interactions.