How to stop getting added to random WhatsApp groups

WhatsApp is rolling out new group privacy controls to all users, amid NSO Group-Pegasus spyware controversy in India. Now, you can leverage full control over who can and cannot add you to random, annoying WhatsApp groups.  The update is rolling out to users with the latest version of WhatsApp installed on their phone. Group privacy controls were previously available for select WhatsApp users. WhatsApp introduced group privacy controls to select users in April that allowed users to decide who can add them to groups. Before that, WhatsApp users could be added to any random group by anyone without their consent.

WhatsApp has made some new changes.

The latest, updated feature replaces the 'Nobody' option with 'My Contacts Except.' This way, users can exclude specific contacts from adding them to groups without their permission instead of nobody. Rest of the options such as 'My contacts' and 'Everyone' will remain unchanged. If you are a WhatsApp group admin, you can still invite a person to a group using a private invite through an individual chat instead of adding them directly to the group. This way, WhatsApp users can decide whether they want to join the group.

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"Based on feedback from users during our initial rollout, instead of the 'Nobody' option we are now providing a 'My Contacts Except' option. This allows you to choose to exclude specific contacts or 'select all'," WhatsApp said in its updated blog post.

How to prevent strangers from adding you to WhatsApp groups

Step 1: Update your WhatsApp to the latest version. Go to Play Store and search for WhatsApp. Download the latest update and keep your WhatsApp up to date

Step 2: Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups

Step 3: You will come across a total of three options to choose from: Everyone, My contacts and My contacts except

Step 4: Choose the option accordingly and hit the option 'Done'

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WhatsApp privacy controls

In case you choose 'My contacts except,' only select users can directly add you to WhatsApp groups. All other group invitations will go directly to your WhatsApp inbox. In that case, the person inviting you to a group will be prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat. If you choose 'My contacts' option, anyone added to your WhatsApp can add you to groups.