New WhatsApp feature allows only admins to message groups

WhatsApp has added a feature to groups that allows admins to restrict messaging only to them. Other members of the group can then only see the messages, but not respond.

The functionality is added on the latest version of WhatsApp and group admins can enable it through a group’s settings. It is possible to turn the function on and turn it off again later.

By allowing only admins to message a group, WhatsApp groups can now be used as a ‘message board’, for example by teachers to inform parents, or by other organizations to just send out announcements, without people being able to do more about it discuss in the group.

In May, WhatsApp also added new functionality to group conversations. This included a summary of messages in which users are mentioned with an @mention, if they have not viewed the group for a long time.