Meta Corporation, widely discussed in tech circles for its stance on online privacy, has rolled out a new beta for WhatsApp on Android. The обновление brings a privacy-focused option that lets users disable link previews within chats. This detail comes from the latest beta observations compiled by the WABetaInfo portal.
The Android beta carries the build number 2.23.21.12 and is currently accessible through the Google Play Store, but only for participants enrolled in the WhatsApp beta program. The gradual rollout aligns with WhatsApp’s pattern of testing features with a limited audience before a wider release.
In the newest beta, developers appear to have introduced a privacy control titled Disable link previews. This feature is designed to give users the choice to prevent automatically fetched previews of links shared in conversations.
At present, when a user pastes or types a URL into a chat, WhatsApp typically retrieves a preview that shows the page title, a short description, and a thumbnail. The new option allows users to turn this behavior off, leaving the chat interface cleaner and potentially reducing exposure to unintended disclosures from shared links.
Observers from WABetaInfo emphasize that this adjustment adds an extra layer of privacy by enabling users to manage how link content appears in their conversations. In practice, the option can help avoid awkward moments when a link preview is visible to others in a shared or public setting, especially in sensitive or professional exchanges.
WABetaInfo notes that the change is consistent with WhatsApp s broader privacy and security commitments. By expanding user controls, the platform supports individuals who want more granular management of their chat experiences, including what content is automatically loaded and displayed during conversations. The discovery of this feature in the beta suggests it will eventually reach the stable public version after thorough testing and user feedback.
While this specific option is not yet available in the public release, analysts expect it to appear soon as part of WhatsApp s ongoing effort to balance usability with privacy preferences. The beta channel continues to serve as a proving ground for features that may later become standard options for all users, reflecting the company s approach to incremental updates rather than sweeping changes.
The context around WhatsApp s development and other messaging platforms includes a broader landscape where privacy controls are increasingly prioritized. In related tech discussions, audiences often compare how different apps handle link previews, metadata exposure, and the potential for previews to reveal sensitive information. These conversations underscore the importance of user agency in configuring how shared links are displayed and processed within chats. The current beta update adds another tool for users who want more control over their messaging environment, without reducing the core functionality of link sharing or the ease of communicating quickly with contacts.
In summary, the forthcoming option to disable link previews represents a meaningful step for WhatsApp users who value privacy and customization in their messaging experience. As the beta program continues to evolve, the feature is expected to move toward a wider public release, giving more users the ability to tailor their chat interface to their personal and professional needs. Observers will be watching closely for how this capability performs in real-world use and whether any related settings follow the same path of user-centric privacy controls. Attribution: WABetaInfo.