New WhatsApp update to introduce status reshare option

WhatsApp is working on a new optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates, and it will be available in a future update.

The new feature will let users decide whether their status updates can be shared, or scheduled for release in a future update, according to WABetaInfo.

Currently, the only way to share a status update is by being mentioned by a contact, which allows users to publish that specific update. However, there is currently no option to reshare regular status updates unless users are directly mentioned in them by their contacts.

Once this feature is rolled out, a tooltip will appear when attempting to share a status update. This tooltip will inform users that they can choose whether or not to allow others to share their status updates. 

A dedicated toggle will give users full control over this option, although it is disabled by default to ensure a private experience for all users from the outset. 

Others will only be able to reshare status updates with their contacts if the user explicitly enables the toggle.

When a contact's status update is shared, the resharing process will remain entirely private, as WhatsApp has designed this feature to ensure that sensitive information is protected at all times. 

Specifically, the phone number of the user who originally posted the status update will never be visible to those who receive or view the reshared content. 

This privacy measure applies universally, regardless of how many times a status update is shared. 

The new feature is under development and it will be available in a future update.