WhatsApp is set to launch a groundbreaking feature aimed at enhancing user privacy, called "Advanced Chat Privacy." This new option will prevent users from saving or sharing sensitive information in both individual and group chats, marking a significant enhancement over the existing encryption protocols already in place.
According to experts at WaBetaInfo, who first reported on the development, this feature will allow users to take control of their privacy by preventing anyone in the conversation from automatically saving received images or videos. This functionality is not entirely new, as it was previously available for disappearing messages, but WhatsApp plans to extend it to any conversation where it can be activated.
The "Advanced Chat Privacy" setting will be easily accessible in the app's Settings. Once activated, it will limit the saving of media and block the export of the entire chat history, ensuring that sensitive discussions remain confined within WhatsApp. Users attempting to save material will encounter a message stating, "Can’t auto-save media," indicating that the privacy option is active.
This advanced privacy feature is entirely optional, allowing users to enable or disable it for each individual chat based on their preferences. If a user activates this setting, all participants in the chat will receive an automatic notification informing them of the change.
As of April 10, 2025, a release date for the general public has not yet been established, and the feature is still in development. It may take several weeks before it becomes widely available.
In addition to the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature, WhatsApp is also working on a function to stop the automatic saving of videos and photos in the gallery, including for those who receive them. This additional security measure will limit the export of messages to other devices, enhancing the overall privacy of user conversations.
The implementation of this feature is expected to come with a user agreement, which will notify those in a group chat about the additional security measures being enacted. Furthermore, this advanced privacy option is anticipated to impact Meta AI, disabling the "blue circle" that indicates protected conversations.
While the release date for this feature remains uncertain, it is clear that WhatsApp is taking significant steps to improve user privacy. Currently, the feature is still undergoing testing, and it is not yet known when it will be made available.
WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy is evident in the development of the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature, which allows individuals to control whether their conversations can be transferred outside the app or if received media can be automatically saved. This marks a crucial step in enhancing the control users have over their data.
The new privacy setting is designed to prevent entire chat histories from being shared or stored on third-party devices, thus increasing individual control over personal information dissemination. This optional feature can be activated for both private and group conversations, providing users with the flexibility to manage their privacy settings according to their needs.
When the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature is activated within a chat, it will block the functionalities that typically allow users to create a textual backup or transfer chat histories to other platforms. Additionally, if a participant in a conversation activates this feature, all members will be notified, ensuring transparency among users.
While this new setting will not completely prevent sharing, as users can still forward individual messages, it represents a significant advancement towards more secure and private communication. Users will still be able to take screenshots of conversations, as WhatsApp has not yet implemented measures to prevent screen captures, which experts note could be easily circumvented using web versions or other external tools.
In tandem with the privacy enhancements, WhatsApp is also addressing spam concerns by developing a feature that automatically blocks contacts sending an unusual number of messages in a short span of time. This initiative aims to protect users from unwanted communications while still allowing occasional messages from unknown numbers.
WhatsApp's efforts to bolster user privacy and security reflect a growing recognition of the importance of protecting personal information in an increasingly digital world. As users become more aware of privacy issues, the demand for robust security features continues to rise.
With the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature and additional spam protection measures in development, WhatsApp appears committed to providing users with sophisticated tools to manage their security without sacrificing usability. As the app moves towards implementing these features, users can look forward to a more secure messaging experience that prioritizes their privacy.
For now, users will need to remain patient as WhatsApp finalizes these updates. The anticipation surrounding the release of the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature suggests that many users are eager for enhanced control over their messaging environments. As WhatsApp continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact user engagement and overall satisfaction with the platform.
