WhatsApp has officially launched a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy, giving users tighter control over how their conversations are used and shared. Initially leaked earlier this month, the feature is now available on the latest version of the app and adds significant protections for users, especially in sensitive group conversations.
What Is Advanced Chat Privacy?
Advanced Chat Privacy is an optional setting that restricts how messages and media can be used or distributed outside WhatsApp. Once enabled in a chat—whether private or in a group—it prevents participants from:
- Exporting the chat
- Automatically downloading media to their devices
- Using messages for AI-powered features like Meta AI
This added layer of security is designed to prevent the misuse of private information and media, helping ensure conversations stay within the app.
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WhatsApp emphasized that the tool is especially useful in group chats where not all participants may know each other well. For example, it could be helpful for support groups discussing health issues or organizing groups handling community matters, where sensitive details are shared.
How to Enable the Feature
Turning on Advanced Chat Privacy is simple but must be done manually for each chat. Here’s how:
- Open the chat (individual or group).
- Tap on the chat name at the top.
- Scroll down and select Advanced Chat Privacy.
- Toggle the setting to activate.
Currently, the feature works on a per-chat basis, meaning it is not applied globally across all conversations. Users must activate it individually for each conversation they wish to protect.
What It Doesn’t Do—Yet
Despite the added security, the feature doesn’t address screenshots or manual media downloads. Users can still take screenshots of messages and manually save photos and videos, even with Advanced Chat Privacy turned on. WhatsApp has acknowledged this limitation and described this as just the first version of the feature. More updates and protections are expected in the future. “We think this feature is best used when talking with groups where you may not know everyone closely but are nevertheless sensitive in nature,” the company stated.
Privacy Push Amid Scrutiny on Meta
The launch comes at a time when WhatsApp’s parent company Meta is under increasing regulatory pressure in Europe. The European Commission recently fined Meta €200 million ($227 million) for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The fine relates to Meta’s “pay or consent” advertising model, which failed to offer a truly equivalent, less personalized option to users who did not consent to data tracking.
The Commission found that Meta’s model “did not give users the required specific choice” and prevented them from freely consenting to the use of their personal data. Meta has responded strongly, claiming the EU is targeting successful U.S. companies while letting Chinese and European firms operate under different standards.
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The fine applies only to the period between March and November 2024, and further penalties may follow if Meta’s updated ad model—introduced in late 2024—is also found to be non-compliant. Advanced Chat Privacy marks WhatsApp’s continued investment in strengthening user privacy. With growing concerns around AI, data tracking, and digital surveillance, features like this are likely to become standard expectations for messaging apps.