WhatsApp has issued a warning to its two billion total users, as group chats and features will see an update as of today (10 June).
The instant messaging service is updating its features to allow more room for users in group chats, with the limit on participants now seeing an increase to 512 people. The Mirror reports that work and friendship chats are now expected to be even more chaotic as the number of people allowed to be added has massively increased.
The tech giant said in a statement: "One of the top requests we've consistently received is the option to add more people to a chat. So now we're slowly rolling out the ability to add up to 512 people to a group.
Read more: WhatsApp issues urgent warning to two billion users to delete text now
"Building private, safe and secure communities takes work, and we think this series of improvements will help people and groups stay close to one another."
Previously, WhatsApp groups were limited to 100 people before users demanded a change in the number of people allowed in group chats which lifted it to 256 in 2016. However, the latest update will more than double the amount of people allowed in a group chat to 512.
WhatsApp are also adding their long awaited Communities feature which will allow users to create "parent groups" that will contain lots of chats within them. The new feature will be rolled out soon and the tech giant advises users to update their app with the latest version as the feature will appear in the coming weeks.
The update comes as the tech messaging service warned users to be extra vigilant after a scam encouraging users to part with their personal details came to light. When talking to users on WhatsApp there is a verified badge visible next to the contact name in the conversation screen and on their chat info.
The scam WhatsApp support account does not have this badge on display. Instead, it uses the blue tick in a different place - meaning it is a fake account and trying to get hold of your personal details. WhatsApp never asks for details about your credit card and information like your six-digit code or two-step verification PIN.
If a WhatsApp account is asking you for this, it means it could be a fake account and the app urges users to delete the text and block the number if they ask for this information.
Are you loving or loathing the idea of 512 person group chats?
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