WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows group admins and members to share recent messages with new group members. The message history remains end-to-end encrypted and is clearly marked in the chat.
WhatsApp is adding a new feature to group chats that we’ve all been waiting for. From now on, you can share the conversation history from a group chat with new members in just a few clicks. When someone is added to a group chat, the admin can choose to automatically share between 25 and 100 recent messages. This gives the new member quick insight into ongoing conversations. WhatsApp is gradually rolling out the feature to all users.
Share conversation history
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows recent group messages to be forwarded to new members. When you invite a new group member to the group conversation, you can share the most recent messages with that person. You can choose from the last 100, 75, 50, and 25 messages.
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The feature is optional. When adding a new group member, the choice to send the recent chat history appears. This must be done actively and is not enabled by default. Group admins can also completely disable the ability to share message history for their group. Additionally, admins always retain the option to share messages themselves.
Transparency
When chat history is forwarded, the entire group receives a notification. This ensures it remains clear to all participants that previous messages have been shared with a new member. The forwarded messages contain their original timestamps and sender information. Visually, the shared history is distinguished from regular chat messages so that members can easily recognize them.
Group message history, like other personal messages on the platform, remains end-to-end encrypted. This means that only the participants in the conversation have access to the content of the messages.