WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called ‘Advanced Chat Privacy,’ aimed at enhancing security measures for both one-on-one and group conversations. This feature aims to block attempts to save media and export chat content, building on the existing end-to-end encryption the app provides for messages and calls. The Advanced Chat Privacy functionality will be available to users on both iOS and Android platforms, offering an additional layer of privacy by preventing the sharing of content outside the app.
Understanding WhatsApp’s Advanced Chat Privacy Feature
On Wednesday, the Meta-owned messaging platform announced the launch of the Advanced Chat Privacy feature in a blog post. According to WhatsApp, this new addition, applicable to both individual and group conversations, enhances privacy by inhibiting users from sharing content beyond the messaging environment.
When activated, the Advanced Chat Privacy feature allows users to block the exportation of chats and disables the automatic downloading of media sent to other users’ devices. Additionally, it restricts the use of chat messages for AI functionalities (Meta AI). WhatsApp emphasizes that this new layer of protection provides greater confidence for participants that their discussions will remain contained within the chat.
This feature is particularly beneficial in group conversations, where participants may not be well-acquainted with each other, especially when sensitive subjects are discussed.
How to Activate Advanced Chat Privacy on WhatsApp
To enable the Advanced Chat Privacy feature, users can select the Chat name and then tap on Advanced Chat Privacy. This setting is currently rolling out to users who have updated their WhatsApp to the most recent version, as confirmed by the company.
WhatsApp has indicated that this is an initial version of the feature and is working on implementing additional protections to enhance its effectiveness. The platform also provides other security measures, such as disappearing messages, chat locks, and end-to-end encryption, catering to users with heightened privacy and security needs.
