WhatsApp, the world’s largest instant messaging platform, has just announced a new privacy tool. The company calls this tool “Advanced Chat Privacy.” With this new tool, users will get an extra layer of control for both private and group chats. The company has already started rolling out this new feature to everyone. The main goal of this new feature is to help users keep their chats inside WhatsApp, where they belong.
What Does Advanced Chat Privacy Do?
Once you turn it on, Advanced Chat Privacy stops people from exporting the chat, auto-downloading media, and using your messages in AI features. That means it’s harder for anyone to share your messages or media outside the app.
WhatsApp says it’s meant to give people “greater confidence” when chatting, especially in sensitive situations. Of course, someone could still take a screenshot, but this feature is designed to block the easier ways people might move content around.
When It’s Useful
WhatsApp points out that this feature could really help in group chats where not everyone knows each other well. For example, think of support groups talking about health issues or local communities organizing something important. In those situations, it’s nice to know your words won’t be shared without your knowledge.
How to Turn On Advanced Chat Privacy on WhatsApp
Turning on and using this new feature is simple. Just open any chat, tap the chat name, then select Advanced Chat Privacy. That’s it, you don’t have to do anything else.
More Features on the Way
WhatsApp says this is only the first version of Advanced Chat Privacy. More updates are coming soon that will add “even more protections.” No timeline was shared, but it’s clear WhatsApp is taking privacy more seriously than ever.
This launch follows leaks from earlier this month, and it’s now official — so expect to see it in your app soon.
