WhatsApp is finally adding controls to allow users to choose whether they want to be added to a group chat.
A new update to the popular messaging app will see group invites sent through a private message rather than automatically added to a group without members having a say about it.
Any WhatsApp users sent a group invite will have three days to decide whether to accept it or not before it expires.
Previously if people were added to a group that they didn't want to be a part of, they would have to remove themselves from it once they were already a member.
WhatsApp users have previously complained of the app spamming them as a result of being randomly added to groups.
"Is there a way to stop random people from adding me to WhatsApp groups?" asked Carl Pei, who co-founded the Chinese smartphone firm OnePlus.
"The app is unusable to me due to this."
Group invites sent via private messages will include the name of the group and its members. The new feature can be enabled through the messaging app's settings by selecting 'Account', then 'Privacy', then 'Groups'.
Three different options allow users to choose between 'Nobody', 'My Contacts' and 'Everyone'. Selecting 'Nobody' means any group invites will be sent through a private message.
WhatsApp users will be able to enable the new feature within the next few weeks as the new update rolls out around the world.
Other recent WhatsApp features include a new dark mode that will reduce screen glare and make it easier for users to view messages in low light.
WhatsApp joins other popular messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Viber by introducing the feature.
