WhatsApp group chats are not safe

A WhatsApp spokesperson confirmed the findings to Wired, however adding that "no one can secretly add a new member to a group and a notification does go through that a new, unknown member has joined the group". "We've looked at this issue carefully," the spokesperson added.

WhatsApp is likely to give group administrators more powers where they will be able to restrict all other members from sending text messages, photographs, videos, GIFs, documents or voice messages in case the admin thinks so.

According to WABetaInfo, a fan site that tests new WhatsApp features early, the popular mobile messaging platform has submitted the "Restricted Groups" setting via Google Play Beta Programme in the version 2.17.430. Once restricted, other members will simply have to read their messages and will not be able to respond. They will have to use the "Message Admin" button to post a message or share media to the group