WhatsApp Testing New Advanced Privacy Option for Chats

Highlights

• WhatsApp is testing Advanced Chat Privacy for extra protection for sensitive conversations.
• It will allow users to disable automatic media downloads, restrict chat exports and ensure Meta AI is disabled in those chats.
• It’s designed for both one-on-one and group chats.
• WhatsApp recently introduced an iPhone update, allowing users to set it as their default calling and messaging app on iOS 18.2 or later.

Caption – WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature. (Photo by Mourizal Zativa on Unsplash)

Meta is working on a new privacy feature for WhatsApp that brings “advanced privacy” controls to chats. This upcoming option is designed to give users extra protection for sensitive conversations. According to trusted WhatsApp Beta source WABetaInfo, the new feature is currently hidden in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS via TestFlight.

The feature is called Advanced Chat Privacy and it adds what the platform describes as a “new layer of privacy and security to chats,” making it tougher for others to share or access the content.

The WABetaInfo report reads, “This new feature is designed to give users greater control over their conversations by disabling automatic media downloads to the device gallery and restricting the ability to export entire chat histories outside the app in the future. This would add a new layer of privacy and security to chats, ensuring that sensitive content stays within the app and giving users greater confidence that their conversations won’t be easily shared or stored without their consent.”

Caption – The WhatsApp Advanced Chat Privacy feature. (Image credit – WABetaInfo)

Turning on this feature would mean –

• Chats can’t be exported
• Media won’t be saved automatically to the device’s photo gallery
• Most importantly, Meta AI is completely disabled in those chats

It’s being developed for both one-on-one and group chats.

WhatsApp already offers disappearing messages, but this new feature is meant to give users even more control over private or sensitive topics.

Advanced privacy will be optional and can be enabled per chat. Once it’s turned on, everyone in the conversation will get a notification about it.

Just recently, WhatsApp also rolled out an update for iPhone users, allowing them to set WhatsApp as their default calling and messaging app, a feature available on iOS 18.2 or later. If you haven’t updated yet, head to the App Store to get the latest version of WhatsApp for free.

FAQs

Q1. What is the purpose of the Advanced Chat Privacy feature on WhatsApp?

Answer. The feature adds a new layer of privacy and security to chats by disabling automatic media downloads, restricting chat exports, and ensuring sensitive content remains within the app.

Q2. Is the Advanced Chat Privacy feature available for all chats?

Answer. Yes, it is being developed for both one-on-one and group chats. It is optional and can be enabled per chat, with notifications sent to all participants.

Q3. What happens when Advanced Chat Privacy is enabled?

Answer. Chats cannot be exported, media won’t be saved automatically to the device’s gallery, and Meta AI is completely disabled in those chats.

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