WhatsApp Rolls Out New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature

ISLAMABAD: WhatsApp has officially introduced a new privacy-focused feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. This 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.

What Advanced Chat Privacy Does

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

WhatsApp says this tool is especially useful in group chats where not everyone knows each other personally. For instance, people discussing health-related issues in support groups or community matters in organizing groups might prefer an added level of privacy. With Advanced Chat Privacy, there’s more control over what happens to messages after they’re sent.

How to Turn On Advanced Chat Privacy

To activate this setting, open any chat, tap on the chat name at the top, and then look for the Advanced Chat Privacy section in the chat options. You can then enable the setting for that specific conversation. This does not apply globally across all chats—you’ll need to enable it individually for the chats in which you want more privacy.

Read more: WhatsApp Now Allows You to Instantly Translate Messages Without Internet

This is only 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 enhance privacy even further, although exact details have not been shared yet