Snitch function in WhatsApp: Your own status could cause trouble among friends

• WhatsApp has released a new beta version for iOS.
• In this, a new reporting function for status has appeared. This can be used to warn about inappropriate posts.
• When and if the feature will be released for all users is currently unkn own.

WhatsApp is currently working on some new features that should provide a better user experience. Among other things, the messenger wants to make it easier to search for settings and bring back the newsletter function. However, an experimental feature could be overkill for some.

The fan blog WAbetaInfo discovered a status reporting function in the new WhatsApp beta version 2.23.1.27. This can be used to report third-party statuses to WhatsApp if they may violate the terms of use.

Previously it was only possible to mute the status of contacts. What happens if the guidelines are violated is unclear. A moderation team of the messenger will check the corresponding status – it remains to be seen whether this will then only be deleted or whether there is even a risk of an account being blocked.

In any case, the function could cause trouble among friends. It is true that users will hardly see who reported their own status. But at least you know that it has to be someone from your own address book – or even a narrower circle of people if the status is only shared with a few contacts.

Basically, the reporting function is there to report sexist, xenophobic or otherwise inappropriate posts. However, what the Messenger sees as offensive remains to be seen.

As always with a beta function: It is not known when and if the function will be rolled out for all users. Perhaps the service will also decide against the feature and remove it again.

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