WhatsApp is continually updating its popular messaging app with new features aimed at enhancing user privacy and security. In recent years, WhatsApp has introduced several major updates that give users more control over their personal information and communications on the platform.
Some of the key privacy-focused features added recently include disappearing messages, view once media, two-step verification, face and fingerprint unlock, chat encryption, and more granular control over data sharing. These allow users to better protect sensitive information and prevent snooping or data misuse.
Disappearing messages
One of the most useful new privacy features is the option to have messages disappear automatically after a set duration. Users can enable disappearing messages for all new chats, which will cause those messages to be deleted after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
This prevents conversations from accumulating and provides more assurance that sensitive information won’t be accessible indefinitely. It essentially allows ephemeral messaging within WhatsApp without having to delete messages manually. Users still have the option to disable disappearing messages for specific chats if they want to retain the history.
View once media
To boost control over media sharing, WhatsApp now allows users to send photos and videos that can only be viewed once before they disappear. When enabled, recipients will not be able to re-access media after opening it the first time.
This feature prevents unwanted sharing or saving of private images or videos. The view once media option provides assurance that you’re only sharing ephemeral content that won’t be misused or remain accessible indefinitely.
Two-step verification
WhatsApp added two-step verification as an optional security enhancement. When enabled, accessing your account on a new device will require entering a six-digit PIN in addition to the regular password or biometric login.
The PIN is generated within WhatsApp and must be entered manually on the new device. This extra step helps confirm the user’s identity and prevent unauthorized logins by those who don’t control the user’s phone number.
Face and fingerprint unlock
For quicker access and enhanced security, WhatsApp allows biometric unlock on supporting Android and iOS devices. Users can opt to require fingerprint or face authentication to open WhatsApp and view recent messages.
This provides a convenient alternative to typing a password while still preventing snooping if your phone is lost or accessed by others. The biometric authentication happens locally on the device for optimal privacy.
Chat encryption
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for all one-on-one and group chats, which prevents interception or access to messages by third parties. The encrypted data can only be accessed on the sender’s and recipient’s devices.
Messages are secured with locks, and WhatsApp and parent company Meta do not have the encryption keys to unlock them. This ensures private communications remain private while in transit and stored on WhatsApp’s servers.
Granular data sharing controls
Users have more options to limit data collection and sharing with WhatsApp’s updated privacy settings. You can now select which optional analytics to share with WhatsApp, restrict use of your profile photo, and disable showing online/last seen status.
The app also allows limiting which contacts can see your about info, status, and read receipts. These granular controls give users more say over their information and visibility on the platform.
Other privacy enhancements
Along with the above major features, WhatsApp has added other tools to improve privacy:
- Login approval controls require biometric or manual approval to link WhatsApp on new devices or browsers
- Media visibility settings let users select which contacts can see their photos and videos
- Notification privacy prevents message and call details from appearing on the phone’s lock screen
- Group privacy settings allow controlling which unknown contacts can add you to groups
Comparison of old vs new privacy features
| Feature | Old Capability | New Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Disappearing messages | No built-in option | Messages can automatically disappear after 24 hrs, 7 days, or 90 days |
| View once media | Media could be viewed repeatedly | Option to share media that disappears after being viewed once |
| Two-step verification | No two-step login option | Users can enable six-digit PIN for enhanced login security |
| Biometric unlock | Required password/PIN to open app | Fingerprint or face unlock now available as a convenience feature |
| Chat encryption | Messages encrypted end-to-end by default | No change, chat encryption remains fully implemented |
| Data controls | Limited options to manage data sharing | Granular settings over analytics, profile photo, online status, read receipts, etc. |
Conclusion
WhatsApp has meaningfully expanded its privacy protections and control options for users over the past couple years. The addition of disappearing messages, view once media, biometric authentication, two-step verification, and more granular data settings give users far more ability to keep their communications and personal data private.
Going forward, we can expect WhatsApp to continue enhancing privacy based on user feedback and the latest technology capabilities. The platform has become a leader in providing encrypted messaging at scale while offering settings that empower individuals to take the reins on their own privacy.