WhatsApp on Wednesday introduced a new privacy feature called “Advanced Chat Privacy”, aimed at offering stronger protection for sensitive conversations in both individual and group chats.
The company noted that end-to-end encryption remains the foundation of privacy on WhatsApp, ensuring only the sender and recipient can view or hear messages and calls. Building on this, WhatsApp said it has added layers like disappearing messages and chat lock, with the new setting taking privacy “one step further.”
Advanced Chat Privacy
The company highlighted that the new feature helps users keep their conversations within WhatsApp when extra privacy is required. Once activated, the feature prevents others from:
- Block chat exports
- Stop automatic media downloads
- Restrict use of messages in AI features
WhatsApp stated that this gives everyone in the chat more confidence that the conversation stays within WhatsApp.
The company also noted that WhatsApp groups are becoming an extension of real-world networks, where participants may not always know each other closely. It believes the new feature is best suited for sensitive discussions, such as sharing personal health challenges in a support group or organizing community matters.
Availability
WhatsApp confirmed that this feature is rolling out to all users on the latest version of the app.