WhatsApp has released an update version 2.11.444, which brings the ability to switch off the read receipts to users. The new version had been rolled out only for Android for now, but BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows Phone users are expected to get it soon as well.
Users of WhatsApp for Android will now be able to disable read receipts. Users can go to the privacy options inside the app’s settings menu, and see a check box that enables and disables the feature in an instant. The new WhatsApp update adds support to hide read receipts for individual chats, however the feature doesn’t apply to group chats. Users in group chats will still see blue check marks once every participant has seen a specific message. The new update also brings support for heads-up notifications, which have been introduced in Android 5.0.
“If you turn off read receipts, you won’t be able to see read receipts from other people,” a notice inside the app reads. “Read receipts are always sent for group chats.”
WhatsApp had launched the read receipts feature earlier this month, OTA for iOS and Android verions of the app. The feature allowed users to see when a message was read with double blue tick marks. However, a lot of users were not happy with the feature and felt that their privacy was violated as their contacts were able to see when their messages were read.
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Source: Android Police