WhatsApp is making a slew of privacy-conscious changes to its messaging app. The changes, according to the Meta-owned globally ubiquitous messaging service, aim to give users more control over their experience while introducing “added layers” to protect their private communications.
WhatsApp will add an option for users to use the app privately without being visible online, dubbed “online presence control.” The feature, which will be available to all users later this month, will allow WhatsApp users to choose which contacts can see their online status while hiding it from others. There is no limit to the number of contacts who can view your online status, and you can add and remove people at any time.
The company is also experimenting with screenshot blocking for “view once” messages, which disappear after only one opening. A year ago, WhatsApp introduced a disappearing media option, warning users that they wouldn’t be able to tell if the recipient was saving any shared photos and videos as screenshots.
