WhatsApp has announced a new privacy feature called Advanced Chat Privacy, aiming to offer users deeper control over how their conversations are handled — particularly in situations where message sensitivity is paramount.
WhatsApp, which serves over two billion users globally, has, in recent years, expanded its privacy toolkit with features such as disappearing messages, screenshot blocking for view-once media, and chat locking using biometrics. The new Advanced Chat Privacy builds on these layers, reinforcing the app's emphasis on content control within its encrypted ecosystem.
The new Advanced Chat Privacy feature introduces three key restrictions:
- Blocking the export of chats
- Preventing automatic media downloads
- Disabling the use of messages for AI-related features
This combination of measures is designed to keep conversation content securely within the app, limiting the chances of leakage through secondary mechanisms.
The update is accessible to all users running the latest version of WhatsApp. It can be enabled on a per-chat or per-group basis by navigating to the chat's settings and toggling on Advanced Chat Privacy.
This setting is especially intended for chats where participants might not know each other well but still discuss sensitive matters — such as health issues, community organizing, or local activism — making it highly relevant for support groups and grassroots initiatives.
Although Meta has not detailed the specific mechanisms behind blocking AI features, it suggests that the new mode prevents messages from being used in any capacity tied to artificial intelligence — potentially shielding them from future integration into generative models or machine learning training.
This is the first version of Advanced Chat Privacy, with WhatsApp indicating plans to evolve the feature further. Upcoming iterations may include tighter media control, user-specific restrictions, and improved audit capabilities.
For users, the rollout provides a timely opportunity to reevaluate their privacy settings on WhatsApp, especially in group chats or discussions where confidentiality is essential.
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