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WhatsApp Tests Chat History Sharing for New Group Members as New Organizing Tools Roll Out

The update seeks to speed onboarding by offering limited, optional context under default-off settings with clear group notifications.

Overview

  • In the Android beta (v2.26.1.28), selected testers can share 25, 50, 75 or 100 of the most recent messages, limited to content from the last 14 days.
  • The history-share option is disabled by default, requires active confirmation when adding someone, and shows an extra prompt during the first few uses.
  • WhatsApp says shared messages remain end-to-end encrypted, are re-encrypted for new members, and the group is notified with a timestamp when history is shared.
  • Separately, Meta has started a server-side rollout of member labels, text stickers and event reminders for groups, with access arriving to users in waves.
  • Group settings determine who can add participants and potentially initiate sharing, which introduces privacy and social-engineering risks for sensitive conversations.