A new function that will let group chat subscriptions on the secure platform expire after a certain time is being tested by WhatsApp.
Meta’s messaging platform receives much of its popularity from its ongoing development of new group chat capabilities. The most recent one addresses the widespread issue of alleged “zombie groups.”
The phrase describes temporary organizations formed to manage a special occasion, such as a birthday, but remain active long after the occasion. Such groups might clog the app with unnecessary clutter and divert users if other group members are still talking.
Another beta find made by WABetaInfo suggests WhatsApp is aware of the issue. Users can give their WhatsApp groups a preset expiration date using a new “Expiring Groups” setting. The UI option’s explanation states, “When enabled, you will be prompted to clean up groups on their expiration date.
According to WABetaInfo, “users will be able to select from various expiration options when this feature is released, such as one day, one week, or a custom date, and they will also have the ability to remove an expiration that was previously set in case they change their minds.” The option is only for the individual user and “won’t apply to other group participants,” the source adds.
Version 23.5.0.71 of WhatsApp, made available via the TestFlight Beta Program, has the feature. When it is prepared to go live needs to be made clear. But, those with several group memberships will likely be happy to hear that it is still in active development.
Another function that WhatsApp is developing could assist users in avoiding spam calls on the network. The functionality will let users block calls from unauthorized numbers, per WABetaInfo. Silenced calls won’t disappear from the call list or notification center.
The latter function is being created to solve an issue caused by WhatsApp’s Communities feature, which has reportedly exposed numbers to arbitrary calls and group chat invitations from unidentified people.
