WhatsApp is a messaging and voice app owned by Facebook, Inc. It allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls, etc. WhatsApp has over 1 billion users in 180 different countries, yet it still has a major flaw relating to a HUGE INVASION OF PRIVACY.

When using the app, an "online" status appears under your name. WhatsApp has not and does not allow any option to remove this feature. If you are using the app, any other users who have your phone number can see if you are online and know that you are using your phone. This feature can easily be abused to invade on another person's privacy.

A crazed person can watch his ex and know whether he or she is online and even if they are still awake. THIS IS IN NO WAY OKAY.

A person trying to avoid harassment by another person can not do so because the other person will know they are online and it may provoke them to know that they are being deliberatly ignored.

Family members can see other online and it may cause issues to be "forced" to reply because others know you are online.

Even if it is something as simply as wanting to end a conversation with someone so you may speak to someone else, it can be seen as offensive to stop talking but to still be shown as online.

The only current solution is to block the other user or to not use the app at all. This is not practical with friends or family and the blocked user can still easily use any other phone to once again see the user's online status and to infringe on their privacy.

A person should be able to use an app without every other person knowing they are using the app or that they are online. They should have the privacy and freedom to use an app as they wish without fear of criticism from others or fear of being watched by a stalker.

The online status causes nothing but issues and is in no way a needed feature. WhatsApp needs to provide the option to turn this feature off OR to only allow it for specific chats. It is an extremely easy option to implement and you would think a company owned by Facebook would know the importance of user privacy.

WhatsApp boasts about their care for privacy yet they leave out the most important detail. (https://www.whatsapp.com/privacy

Help support the privacy and safety of women, men, and children who use this messaging app!

WhatsApp needs to simply provide the option to TURN OFF the online status or only show it for specific chats!!!

-Please Support and Thank You