WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy, designed to enhance the confidentiality of conversations. This update builds on WhatsApp’s existing end-to-end encryption and introduces additional protections by disabling certain functionalities within chats. With this new setting enabled, both you and your contacts will be unable to export conversations or automatically download media to your devices. This follows WhatsApp’s earlier option to prevent messages from being forwarded, now adding more privacy-focused controls.
Although conversations on WhatsApp are already encrypted, Advanced Chat Privacy helps limit interaction with Meta AI and increases confidence that everything said or shared will stay within the chat. The company highlights that this feature is especially valuable in scenarios where people might not know each other personally but are discussing sensitive topics. For instance, this could involve discussions about health concerns in a support group or community members sharing opinions on public matters.
Importantly, it’s worth noting that the new feature does not block users from taking screenshots of individual messages—at least not yet. However, WhatsApp has mentioned that future versions of the Advanced Chat Privacy setting may include restrictions on screenshots, adds NIXSolutions. While details are still limited, we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.
How to Enable the Feature and What’s Next
To activate this setting, open a chat, tap on the chat name, and choose “Enhanced chat privacy” from the menu. This feature is being rolled out gradually and will be available across both individual and group chats. It will function alongside other privacy tools that WhatsApp offers, such as disappearing messages and the ability to block chats.
As WhatsApp continues to expand its privacy toolkit, Advanced Chat Privacy signals the platform’s ongoing effort to provide users with greater control over their digital communication. We’ll keep you updated on any future enhancements, especially if the company introduces more robust protections, like a potential ban on screenshots.
This latest feature underlines WhatsApp’s continued commitment to user safety and confidentiality, making private chats even more secure for sensitive exchanges.