What to know
- WhatsApp has launched Advanced Chat Privacy, a new feature that blocks others from exporting your chat history.
- This setting also prevents auto-downloading of media and using messages for AI features.
- The feature is available for both individual and group chats, but must be enabled manually in chat settings.
- WhatsApp plans to expand these protections in future updates.
WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. This update allows you to block others from exporting your chat history, whether in one-on-one or group conversations. The feature also stops people from automatically downloading media shared in the chat and from using your messages for AI-related features. This is designed to give you more control over your conversations and keep your private discussions within WhatsApp itself.
To enable Advanced Chat Privacy, open the desired chat or group, tap the chat name at the top, and select the "Advanced Chat Privacy" option. You can then toggle the setting on. Once activated, these restrictions apply to all participants in that chat. Anyone who tries to export the chat or download media will see a notification that advanced privacy is enabled.
This feature is especially useful in group chats where not everyone may know each other well, but sensitive topics are discussed. WhatsApp says the goal is to help you feel more secure sharing personal or confidential information, knowing that it cannot be easily taken outside the app.
While Advanced Chat Privacy blocks standard options for exporting chats and saving media, WhatsApp acknowledges that determined users could still capture information by taking screenshots or manually saving data. The company has stated that this is just the first version of the feature, with plans to add more robust protections in the future, possibly including screenshot blocking.
The rollout of Advanced Chat Privacy is gradual and will reach all users with the latest version of WhatsApp. This update builds on WhatsApp’s existing privacy tools, such as end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and chat locks, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to user security.
Via: TheVerge
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