WhatsApp has introduced a host of features aimed at helping protect the information they give away.
The new update comes with three main features: users can leave group chats more quietly and set specific controls on who can see when a user is online.
WhatsApp on Tuesday announced new privacy features, following which users of the instant messaging service will now be able to leave groups silently and choose who can see when they are online. WhatsApp will also block taking screenshots for ‘view once’ messages.
“New privacy features coming to WhatsApp: exit group chats without notifying everyone, control who can see when you’re online, and prevent screenshots on view once messages. We’ll keep building new ways to protect your messages and keep them as private and secure as face-to-face conversations,” Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Meta said.
Yes, you read that right. For years, WhatsApp has allowed people to hide their Status, Profile Picture, and Last Seen, but there was never an option to hide your Online Status. In case you are not aware, WhatsApp displays an “Online” icon on the top of every chat whenever you open the messaging app to let you know if the other person is using the app or is offline.
With the addition of the new feature, you will now be able to hide whether you are online or offline. Now, you can ignore some of your annoying friends or anyone else and use WhatsApp without letting them know if you are online or offline.
WhatsApp announces new privacy features, including leaving groups silently, that will be rolling out later this month
The company added that the introduction of these new features is backed by a new WhatsApp privacy study which found that 72% of people value being able to speak in an honest, unfiltered way, but more than 47% are only comfortable doing this in a safe, private space.
“For the times when you need more privacy, 51% prefer to stay hidden online to choose who they want to talk to.
91% of people who are aware of blocking features believe they are important.
That is why WhatsApp is introducing new layers of protection that enable users to speak freely and have private conversations,” it said.
To spread awareness about the new features, Whatsapp will also kick off a new campaign to educate people, starting with the UK and India.
“At WhatsApp, we’re focused on building product features that empower people to have more control and privacy over their messages. Over the years, we’ve added interlocking layers of protection to help keep their conversations secure, and the new features are one way we continue to deliver on our commitment to keeping messages private,” Ami Vora, Head of Product at WhatsApp, said.