WhatsApp rolls out new feature to stop people from sharing your messages

WhatsApp

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. The feature, rolling out globally on the latest version of the app, gives users more control over how their messages are treated— especially in group settings where not everyone may be familiar.

Building on WhatsApp’s foundation of end-to-end encryption, this feature introduces restrictions that prevent others in a chat from exporting conversations, auto-downloading media, or using messages in AI features. The goal is to keep sensitive conversations contained, particularly in contexts like health support groups or community organizing, where discretion matters.

“We think this feature is best used when talking with groups where you may not know everyone closely but are nevertheless sensitive in nature, like talking about health challenges in a support group or organizing your community about something important to you,” said WhatsApp in a blog post.

Unlike traditional privacy settings, which primarily focus on who can see your content, Advanced Chat Privacy is designed to minimise what others can do with your messages once they receive them. It’s a proactive measure against leaks and unintended sharing—whether it’s screenshots, forwards, or AI data scraping, said WhatsApp.

How to activate the feature

Users can enable this setting for both one-on-one chats and group conversations. To activate it, simply tap on the chat name, then navigate to Advanced Chat Privacy. Once turned on, it creates a walled garden for communication, reinforcing WhatsApp’s promise that what happens in a chat, stays in the chat.

The feature is particularly timely as messaging apps become stand-ins for everything from workplace coordination to personal support networks. In such spaces, the expectation of privacy can vary widely depending on who’s in the group. WhatsApp is positioning this as a tool for navigating that nuance—where trust is essential but not guaranteed.

This is just the first iteration. Meta says more enhancements are on the way, suggesting that Advanced Chat Privacy may evolve into a robust suite of anti-leak features.