Addressing one of the most pronounced privacy issues on WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned service announced today that its users can now take advantage of a new feature allowing them to adjust who can add them to a group.

To enable it, do the following:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Settings tab at the bottom.
  3. Choose Account from the list.
  4. Tap the Privacy option.
  5. Tap Groups.

Now select one of three options:

  • Nobody: This option ensures no one can add you to a group before you manually approve their request.
  • My Contacts: Only users you have in your address book can add you to groups.
  • Everyone: Anyone can add you to a group.

Aside from the new privacy setting, the app now uses an invite system. Specifically, the person inviting you to a group is now required to send a private invite through an individual chat.

You’ll have three days to accept the invite before it expires.

“As people turn to groups for important conversations, users have asked for more control over their experience,” the company said.

TUTORIAL: How to verify if a phone number is on WhatsApp

According to WhatsApp, the new privacy-focused settings began rolling out to some users starting today. It’s a staggered release so expect it to be available worldwide “in the coming weeks”.

WhatsApp is a free download from App Store.