WhatsApp is expanding its privacy toolkit with a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy, designed to give users greater control over how messages and media are handled within individual and group chats.
Highlights
This update adds to WhatsApp’s existing privacy measures, offering protections beyond end-to-end encryption.
The feature enables users to block the export of chat histories, disable automatic media downloads, and prevent messages from being used in AI-powered tools, including those developed by Meta.
These controls are intended to reduce the likelihood of sensitive content being stored, shared externally, or accessed beyond the chat environment.
Functionalities and User Access
When Advanced Chat Privacy is enabled, shared media such as images, videos, and files will no longer be automatically saved to the recipient’s device.
Additionally, users in a chat will be unable to export the conversation content. This aims to safeguard discussions—particularly those containing private or confidential information—from being shared outside the intended audience.
The feature is optional and not enabled by default. Users can activate it manually by opening any chat, tapping the chat name, and selecting the “Advanced Chat Privacy” option in the settings menu.
The rollout is currently available on both Android and iOS platforms through the latest version of the WhatsApp app.
Designed for Privacy in Group Interactions
WhatsApp has pointed to the feature’s potential in enhancing privacy within group chats, especially in scenarios where participants may not all be familiar with one another.
Group discussions involving personal topics, such as health-related support groups or local community initiatives, may benefit from this added layer of protection, as it limits the ways content can be redistributed outside the group.
Integration with WhatsApp’s Existing Privacy Tools
Advanced Chat Privacy complements WhatsApp’s existing suite of privacy-focused features, including disappearing messages, chat locks, and end-to-end encryption.
Together, these tools allow users to tailor their privacy preferences to match various communication contexts—whether for personal conversations, business exchanges, or large group discussions.
Limitations
While the new privacy setting restricts chat exports and automatic media downloads, it does not currently prevent participants from taking screenshots or manually saving media.
WhatsApp has acknowledged this limitation, stating that the current rollout represents an initial version, with further enhancements planned in future updates.
The feature also includes a measure to prevent chat messages from being processed by AI tools that may be integrated into WhatsApp or other Meta services. This aligns with ongoing concerns about the use of personal data in machine learning and generative AI applications.
