WhatsApp Tests New Privacy Feature For Disappearing Messages

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy-focused feature designed to improve its disappearing messages system, according to a report by WABetaInfo.

The feature is currently being tested with selected users through beta versions of WhatsApp on both Android and iOS devices.

Under the latest update, users will be able to send messages that automatically disappear after the recipient reads them, offering stronger privacy controls for personal conversations.

According to the report, WhatsApp is adding a new “after-read timer” option to its disappearing messages feature.

Once a message is opened, it will automatically delete itself after a user-selected time period.

WhatsApp tests feature to separate business chats, reduce spam

Currently, WhatsApp already supports disappearing messages that vanish after fixed durations such as 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days.

However, the existing system has a drawback because messages may disappear before the recipient gets an opportunity to view them.

The upcoming feature aims to solve this issue by keeping messages visible in the chat until they are opened and read.

After the message is read, users will reportedly be able to choose from three deletion timers — five minutes, one hour, or 12 hours — before the message disappears automatically.

Since the feature remains in beta testing, the company has not yet confirmed an official global release date.