You’re Not Fully Secure on WhatsApp Until You Enable These 5 Features
Messaging giant WhatsApp has announced the rollout of five key privacy features aimed at giving users more control over their chats, media, and personal information. With over 2 billion active users globally, the Meta-owned platform continues to reinforce its focus on security amid growing concerns about digital privacy.
The newly introduced tools include enhanced chat privacy controls, encrypted backups, spam call filters, and improved group settings. Here’s a detailed look at the new features:
1. Advanced Chat Privacy
WhatsApp has added an “Advanced Chat Privacy” option that prevents recipients from exporting chats or saving shared media to their device gallery. This feature is designed for users who want to keep certain conversations strictly private. It can be enabled by tapping on a contact or group name and selecting the option from the menu.
2. End-to-End Encrypted Backups
While chats on WhatsApp have always been end-to-end encrypted, this update extends encryption to cloud backups. Users can now secure their backups on Google Drive or iCloud with a password or a 64-digit encryption key. This option can be found under Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup.
3. Group Invitation Controls
To reduce spam and unauthorized group additions, WhatsApp now lets users decide who can add them to groups. Options include “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” and “My Contacts Except…” The setting can be customized under Settings > Privacy > Groups.
4. Silence Unknown Callers
In a bid to reduce spam and scam calls, WhatsApp has launched a feature that automatically silences calls from unknown numbers. These calls will still appear in the call log and notifications but won’t ring the phone. This can be toggled under Settings > Privacy > Calls.
5. ‘View Once’ Media
For users sharing sensitive media, WhatsApp’s “View Once” option ensures that photos and videos can be viewed only once by the recipient before they disappear. The sender can activate this feature by tapping the “1” icon before sending a media file.
These features underscore WhatsApp’s commitment to prioritizing user safety and privacy in an increasingly connected world. With rising digital threats and data misuse, such privacy enhancements are being welcomed by users and privacy advocates alike.
