WhatsApp introduces enhanced chat privacy feature

ISLAMABAD: WhatsApp has officially introduced a new privacy-focused feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. The update gives users more control over their messages in both private and group chats. Initially leaked earlier this month, the feature is now live and offers restrictions that aim to limit how messages and media are used or shared outside of the app.

When enabled, Advanced Chat Privacy prevents others in the conversation from exporting the chat, prevents automatic downloading of media to their devices, and prevents your messages from being used in AI-powered features within WhatsApp. While it doesn’t prevent screenshots — something WhatsApp hasn’t addressed — it does offer a set of limitations that help protect sensitive conversation content.

WhatsApp says the tool is especially useful in group chats where not everyone knows each other personally. For example, people discussing health issues or community issues in support groups may prefer an extra level of privacy. With Advanced Chat Privacy, you have more control over what happens to messages after they’re sent.

To enable this setting, open any chat, tap the chat name at the top, and then find the Advanced Chat Privacy section in the chat options. You can then enable the setting for that specific conversation. It doesn’t apply globally to all chats — you’ll need to enable it individually for the chats you want more privacy in.

This is just the first version of the feature. WhatsApp has said it plans to improve Advanced Chat Privacy over time. Future updates may include additional restrictions and tools designed to further enhance privacy, although exact details have not yet been shared.