WhatsApp Rolls Out Beta Test for Group Chat History Sharing with New Members

Meta Platforms Inc.'s WhatsApp unit has begun testing a feature in its Android beta program that permits new group members to view messages sent in the previous 24 hours in the all-new whatsapp 24-hour history preview feature.

The update, identified in version 2.25.36.11, targets the common problem of newcomers lacking context in ongoing discussions and applies to users added manually or through invitation links. 

Group administrators gain the ability to activate or deactivate the option within settings, and the system limits shared content to 1,000 messages in high-volume groups to manage data consumption.

An existing participant handles the secure re-encryption of recent messages to preserve end-to-end encryption standards. 

"WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets new members view recent group messages. With this functionality, new group participants will be able to understand the conversation as soon as they join. The system works by having an existing participant securely re-encrypt and share the latest messages while keeping end to end encryption intact. Admins will control this option in the group permissions screen, and new members will not need to take any extra steps," according to a report from feature tracker WABetaInfo. 

The process occurs in the background without interrupting current users, and WhatsApp has positioned the change as part of efforts to enhance group functionality for coordination in professional, educational and social settings. 

"WhatsApp says this silent background process will not slow down or disrupt ongoing conversations for existing members," the TechJuice report stated. 

Development remains ongoing with no confirmed public release date, as the company gathers input from beta participants.