The messaging app WhatsApp will be introducing two major updates in a bid to improve user privacy.
Users of the platform will be able to speak on their terms, as they can hide when they are online once the update rolls out. They will also be able to leave group chats without notifying other members, which could help people avoid uncomfortable confrontations.
The updates aim to improve users' experience on the app by giving them more control over their visibility. Users will also be able to block others from taking screenshots of 'View Once' messages which disappear after being opened.
The screenshot blocking tool is currently under testing, but the visibility updates are set to roll out later this month, reports the Manchester Evening News. Some have raised concerns about the app in the past, as they say its end-to-end encryption can allow criminals to evade detection.
WhatApp, which is owned by Meta, has stood by its security features and seeks to continue improving the privacy around online conversations. The tech company believes that being able to talk online with the confidence that you are secure is hugely important.
In a post announcing the WhatsApp update, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said: “We’ll keep building new ways to protect your messages and keep them as private and secure as face-to-face conversations.”
Ami Vora, WhatsApp’s head of product, said the platform was focused on building 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 is one way we continue to deliver on our commitment to keep messages private,” she said.
"No other global messaging service at this scale provides this level of security for their users’ messages, media, voice messages, video calls, and chat backups.
“We believe WhatsApp is the most secure place to have a private conversation. And to spread the word about these new features, we’re also kicking off a global campaign, starting with the UK and India, to educate people about how we work to protect their private conversations on WhatsApp.”
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