WhatsApp Wants Your Chats to Be More Private

WhatsApp recently announced that it was making some changes to how the app handles privacy when it comes to chats. As such, the app will receive a new “Advanced Chat Privacy” feature, which will be available for both group chats and individual 1-on-1 chats.

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The update essentially adds a layer of protection for users who want extra privacy, especially if third parties should attempt to share otherwise confidential messages outside of WhatsApp. Enabling the feature will disable other users from auto-downloading media to their phones, exporting chats, and using chats for AI. According to WhatsApp, the feature will be most useful for group chats where users might not know anyone too closely:

WhatsApp groups are increasingly an extension of our real world networks, some of which are far closer than others. We think this feature is best used when talking with groups where you may not know everyone closely but are nevertheless sensitive in nature, like talking about health challenges in a support group or organizing your community about something important to you.

Users can enable the feature by tapping the chat name, then tapping on “Advanced Chat Privacy”. WhatsApp adds that users can expect to receive additional protection features in the future.