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The WhatsApp application has launched in Spain the double blue checkmark feature, an icon that confirms whether the message has been received. By pressing on the text, the application also informs you of the time the recipient read it, a new feature that has generated controversy as it is seen as somewhat indiscreet.
According to the application itself, “the ticks are important because they indicate the sending and receiving status of a message.” One checkmark indicates that the message was delivered to the server, two indicate it reached the recipient's device, and the double blue checkmark indicates that the recipient has read it. This new feature, which will also be visible in group chats when all participants have received the message, cannot be deactivated unless the sender is blocked.
The new icon is not the first WhatsApp feature to generate controversy. This service also included in its 2012 update the option to deactivate the "last seen" message indicating when the application was opened, as well as the "online" or "typing" notification. This feature, however, prevents you from seeing the status or last online time of other contacts. Also, if the user has an iPhone, they can suppress the two ticks that indicate whether the message has been received by the device.
