Man Lists 7 Categories of People You Should Block from Viewing your WhatsApp Status, Many Agree

• A Nigerian man has advised that not everyone should be allowed to see one's status on WhatsApp
• WhatsApp is a free cross-platform messaging and calling app that was launched in 2009 and quickly gained popularity among many Nigerians
• In a TikTok video, he shared the seven categories of people that should be blocked from seeing one's WhatsApp status and Barrister Chidera Ebimnamaonye Divine has weighed in on the advice

Citing security and financial concerns, a Nigerian man, @iamamedu, has advised people to limit the viewers of their WhatsApp status.

WhatsApp, now owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), is a cross-platform messaging and calling app and is widely used in Nigeria.

"How can your mechanic be viewing your WhatsApp status? For why?" he wondered.

In a TikTok video, the man mentioned the seven categories that should be denied access to viewing one's status on WhatsApp.

The people who should be blocked from viewing one's WhatsApp status, according to the man, are:

1. Your workman, or people who work for you.

2. Your landlord.

3. Your pastor.

4. Your boss at the office.

5. Your compound neighbours.

6. Your compound securityman.

7. Your entire family members.

Nigerian barrister reacts to man's advice

Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng, Barrister Chidera Ebimnamaonye Divine, founder of Pure Legal, bared his mind on the man's advice. He said:

"The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, upholds that every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to their right to privacy.

"From a social media perspective, every post, impression, video, or audio must have a targeted audience – and, likewise, a non-targeted audience. It is the duty of every communicator to share information with the intended audience while ensuring that the information does not reach individuals it should not or would ordinarily affect.

"Not all information should be posted online for public access. The law imposes a duty of care on everyone, especially when acting in a way that could protect other members of society from harm caused by their negligence.

"For example, there are videos you might upload on social media without restricting certain individuals from viewing them. These individuals could experience health hazards, internal shock, or mental trauma – especially those dealing with health challenges or trauma in your contacts. It does not matter whether they are family or not..."

He continued:

"Additionally, there are feeds and types of information that should not be accessible to young children. Today’s global village means even a 10-year-old can access social media and view videos and audios online. If individuals do not act cautiously by blocking some people from accessing sensitive content that could affect or corrupt their innocence, it becomes harmful to them.

"Also, it is a democratic right for anyone to express themselves in any way they see fit. This includes the freedom to choose whom they wish to express themselves to. If a person does not want someone or a group to view what they have posted in the public domain, they are legally permitted to block them.

"However, it may not always be appropriate to block certain people from accessing your status, depending on the circumstances:

"Your guardian: If someone is under the age of maturity, blocking their parents or guardians might not be entirely appropriate. Guardians are directly responsible for the child’s upbringing, which includes monitoring their social media activity.

"Public office holders/political leaders: Such individuals owe the people they serve access, whether through media or other channels. It would be inappropriate for a political leader or public office holder to block certain people from their social accounts, especially those they are accountable to.

"In summary, while it may be acceptable to block certain individuals from viewing your status in some cases, it may be inappropriate in others."

Watch the video below:

Reactions trail man's WhatsApp status advice

Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the man's advice below:

Kenny Charles said:

"My hairdresser viewed my status on my last birthday na so this woman increase billing for me, I ran far away she don beg me tire I no do there again."

Tina Awake said:

"Hmmm this one make sense ohh .. my pastor's wife viewed my content on my Statue and the next Sunday she use me preach. that Some sisters in church are leaving double life."

Julietduru said:

"Finally someone said it! I thought something was wrong with me."

madem cash said:

"Immediately I noticed my son teacher is viewing my status I blocked her ASAP."

(Lǐ Wù) said:

"I feel like people are too egocentric. Your tailor or mechanic are not lower than you in any form. Are you God? Please pray to God for spirit of humility."

Amazing DJ Lins said:

"My mechanic, my Taylor, my vendors, my boss, my landlord, my neighbors, my entire family members are not allowed to view my status Oga abeg pls tell me who remain for my contact list to view my status 😳 if them never beat one of una this years the rest no learn."

Afrobabe said:

"Immediately I saved your number, I blocked you from viewing my status."

Chommy said:

"I now understand that I am not crazy for having 588 people blocked."

In a related story, Legit.ng had given a complete guide about how to save WhatsApp status on iPhone and Android.

Restricting people from viewing your WhatsApp status

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported how to restrict people from viewing your status on WhatsApp for iPhone and Android.

There are two ways to restrict someone from your contact list from viewing your WhatsApp updates. One is to exclude specific contacts from those who can see your status updates, and the other is to include the contacts you choose to view your status.

You cannot know who views your WhatsApp secretly, as people who view your WhatsApp status will always appear on your view list. Additionally, to know who viewed your status, you and the person viewing it must have your read receipts enabled.

Source: Legit.ng