WhatsApp to Let Users Control Online Presence, Leave Groups Silently, More

WhatsApp has introduced new privateness options which are stated to offer customers “more control over their conversations and added layers of protection when messaging.” The three new privateness options embrace exit group chats with out notifying everybody, management who can see once you’re on-line, and stop screenshots on view as soon as messages. The Meta-owned firm stated that it is usually beginning a marketing campaign to teach folks concerning the new options. WhatsApp already supplies different privateness options, together with the end-to-end encryption messaging and calling for people and companies.

Meta CEO and Founder Mark Zuckerberg introduced that WhatsApp is bringing three new privateness options to customers: exit group chats with out notifying everybody, management who can see once you’re on-line, and stop screenshots on view as soon as messages. “We’ll keep building new ways to protect your messages and keep them as private and secure as face-to-face conversations,” Zuckerberg stated in an announcement. The privateness options can be found for each iOS and Android customers.

Leave Groups Silently: This function will permit customers to exit a gaggle privately with out having to inform everybody, besides the admins. Currently, once you depart a gaggle, everybody within the group is notified through a bubble saying “[your name/ number] left”. This function will begin to roll out to all customers this month.

Choose Who Can See When You’re Online: WhatsApp is introducing the power that can permit customers to pick who can and can’t see once you’re on-line. This function is helpful particularly in conditions once you need to examine your messages in personal. For instance, you might have a number of pals messaging you a couple of weekend plan however you have not determined but and have not responded to these texts. When you examine different messages on WhatsApp, your mates will be capable of see that you’re “Online” and never replying, primarily touchdown you on a sticky wicket.

With the newest WhatsApp function, you’ll be able to maintain your on-line presence personal. It will begin rolling out to all customers this month.

Screenshot Blocking for View Once Messages: This function is actually an extension of the “View Once” function of WhatsApp. People normally attempt to maintain a file of their conversations even when the “View Once” function is energetic on their telephones. Since the “View Once” function doesn’t permit a everlasting digital file, customers are inclined to take screenshots. The new function is enabling screenshot blocking for “View Once” messages for an added layer of safety. The function is being examined and will likely be rolled out to customers quickly.

To help the effectiveness of those new privateness options, WhatsApp famous that they discovered that 72 p.c of individuals worth having the ability to converse in an sincere, unfiltered method, however greater than 47 p.c are solely snug doing this in a secure, personal house. “They are particularly cautious online, ranking privacy in their private messages as most important — compared to emails, texts or social media,” WhatsApp stated. It added that 51 p.c want to remain hidden on-line to decide on who they need to discuss to and 91 p.c of people who find themselves conscious of blocking options consider they’re necessary.

These new privateness options are along with the already current protections supplied on WhatsApp. The platform presents default end-to-end safety for calls and messages, disappearing messages that self-destruct, end-to-end encrypted backups once you need to save your chat historical past, 2-step verification for added safety, and the power to dam and report undesirable chats.

WhatsApp additionally stated that it’s kicking off a marketing campaign to teach folks concerning the new options. “…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,” stated Ami Vora, Head of Product at WhatsApp.