WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging service worldwide, and Meta has not only protected but also enhanced its privacy and security capabilities to provide its billions of users with a secure communication environment.
With the latest update, an additional security level has been reached—Advanced Chat Privacy. This feature aims to ensure that your messages are even better shielded from the outside world and any unwanted eyes.
What Happens in WhatsApp, Stays in WhatsApp
Although WhatsApp has already been offering end-to-end encryption, rendering your messages accessible only to those to whom they are sent, there are situations when you would probably prefer to have additional security layers in place, particularly when you don’t trust everyone completely or when you are sharing sensitive material.
Advanced Chat Privacy is the solution. When enabled, it prohibits other members of the chat from exporting messages, auto-downloading media, or sharing the chat’s content with AI-based applications.
Firstly, you do the following:
- Choose the chat name
- Select Advanced Chat Privacy
- Switch the feature on
It is a smart move by WhatsApp to advise using this setting in large groups with unfamiliar people, such as community or event planning groups. Furthermore, this function can be of great use in cases such as a secret plan intended for control or when sharing sensitive data with close contacts.
Suppose, for instance, you are about to share a passport photograph or your other personal information. Using this setting can significantly reduce the likelihood of someone unintentionally or intentionally sharing it abroad.
Other Must-Use WhatsApp Privacy Features
1. Vanishing Messages
To ensure your communication is more secure, WhatsApp allows users to send messages in a way that they automatically delete after a certain period of time. This can be particularly helpful when sharing temporary data, such as passwords, personal details, or event addresses, with someone.
To do this, follow the next steps:
- Open a chat
- Click on the contact or group name
- Select Disappearing Messages and choose a time limit
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2fa)
Two-step verification EDI offers double protection. If someone knows your phone number, the separation of PIN from the process prohibits persons from accessing WhatsApp.
To enable 2fa:
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification
- Tap Turn On
- Set a 6-digit PIN
3. App Lock with Biometrics
Make the app so secure that it will only allow access to you, unless it recognises your face or fingerprint. It is no longer possible for others to eavesdrop on your conversations by leaving the phone active.
How do you set up the app lock feature?
- Go to Settings > Privacy > App Lock
- Toggle Require Face ID (iPhone) or Unlock with biometric (Android)
