WhatsApp’s three latest features are all about your privacy
Over the last couple of years, WhatsApp has been aggressively testing and adding new features to its platform. Now, almost every other day, the service is spotted trialing new enhancements in its beta channel, likedevice login approvalsand achatbot to detail recent changes. Despite being owned by Meta, WhatsApp has always taken privacy seriously and proudly highlights that it supports end-to-end encryption. Recently, it has also added severaluseful privacy-related options to its platform. Further building on that, Mark Zuckerberg hasannouncedthree new privacy features for WhatsApp that should make your life easier and chats more secure.
First, you’re able to leave group WhatsApp chats without notifying everyone—only group admins will be shown a message. This is a handy addition for large groups where several members can exit the group after a specific event. A log of all contacts who exited the group or were removed from it in the last 60 days will be maintained. Both group admins and members can view this log. Asrecently spotted on WhatsApp’s beta channel, you can access the log using theSee Past Participantsoption from theGroup infotab.
Second, WhatsApp will now let you hide your online status. It is already possible to hide your ‘Last seen’ status from specific contacts. The new privacy feature further builds on that by letting you specify whether contacts who can see your ‘Last seen’ can also view whether you are online or not. The messaging service was firstfound working on the featureon its beta channel in July.
Lastly, WhatsApp will no longer let anyone take screenshots of view once media messages. Up until now, the recipient could take a screenshot of your view once message, thereby defeating its entire purpose. Going forward, this will no longer be the case as the platform will block screenshots on such messages for privacy reasons.
All features are currently rolling out to WhatsApp users on Android and iPhone. If they don’t show up for you, make sure to update the app to its latest release.
The note-taking app I should have used all along
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
Samsung’s making a bold move
PlayStation Plus subscribers of all tiers are getting access to three excellent titles, including Psychonauts 2, in September
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before
More visual changes
