WhatsApp Launches Advanced Chat Privacy for Enhanced Security

WhatsApp now includes a feature called “Advanced Chat Privacy” to enhance the security of individual and group chats. This is a privacy enhancing feature, because it also prevents chats from being exported or media from auto-downloading to your phone. It also prohibits users from naming Meta AI or talking to it in the chat.

WhatsApp Introduces Advanced Chat Privacy to Strengthen Security and Protect User Conversations

The effect is to ratchet up a group chat’s sense of safety, to reassure everyone participating that what’s shared within does indeed stay within, and that sensitive information remains private. The new feature is open to all users of the app with the most recent update, and works for both individual and group chats. To use this feature, go to the chat name, and the option “Advanced Chat Privacy” will be available in the menu.

WhatsApp says that this is only the initial form of the feature, and more safeguards will be added down the line for even more privacy. Although WhatsApp already employs end-to-end encryption to protect chats, this added option brings one more safety measure. It gels in with other privacy features like disappearing messages and chat locks, providing users a more powerful control over their conversations. As of now, users can still capture screenshots of chats.

But WhatsApp has stated that the next modules of Advanced Chat Privacy might restrict screenshots in light of constant security enhancements. This would be very useful in group chats where people might not know each other but are engaged in high-tea discussions.

For example, it can help protect personal health information in support groups or ensure privacy in important community discussions. This added security measure ensures that WhatsApp continues to prioritize user privacy in an increasingly connected world.

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