WhatsApp has announced a new feature that allows users to control who has permission to add them to groups, TechCrunch reported. The company says this will “help to limit abuse” and keep people’s phone numbers private.

The app will introduce an invite system for those who enable the additional protections, allowing users to vet any incoming group invites before deciding to join.

The feature is one part of a host of changes the global messaging service is making to try and clamp down on the spread of fake news and misinformation.

WhatsApp has already limited the amount of times a message can be forwarded to five, and also now labels forwarded messages to draw attention to them. It was also reportedly testing a new spam message warning system.

To enable the new protection, users can go to Settings then tap Account > Privacy > Groups then choose one of the three options regarding who can add you to a group text: “Nobody,” “My Contacts” or “Everybody.”

“Nobody” means you’ll have to approve joining every group to which you’re invited, WhatsApp says, and “My Contacts” means only users you already know can add you to groups.

In the event that you change the setting to either “Nobody” or “My Contacts,” people inviting you to groups will be instead prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat. That way, you still have the option of joining a group even if the person inviting you isn’t one of your regular WhatsApp contacts. However, the invite will expire in three days if you don’t accept.

WhatsApp says the new settings roll out to some users today, and will reach the rest of WhatsApp’s audience in the weeks ahead. The most recent version of the app will be required.

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