WhatsApp has unveiled a new privacy feature designed to give users greater control over their conversations.
The “Advanced Chat Privacy” setting, announced Wednesday, introduces tighter restrictions around how chats and media are handled within the app.
With the new setting enabled, neither you nor the people you’re chatting with can export chat histories or automatically download shared media to your devices. The feature also disables the ability to mention or interact with Meta AI within those protected chats.
According to WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, the feature is intended to offer peace of mind—particularly in group chats—by ensuring that discussions remain private and cannot be easily taken out of context or shared outside the app.
“This is especially useful in group settings where members might be discussing sensitive topics or may not know each other well,” the company said in a statement. Examples include health support groups or grassroots organizing efforts.
While the update enhances privacy, WhatsApp notes that users can still take screenshots, although this may change in future versions. The company hinted that additional protections—potentially including screenshot prevention—could be introduced later.
Advanced Chat Privacy can be activated by tapping a chat name and selecting the new option from the menu. The feature is being rolled out gradually and will be available in both one-on-one and group chats in the coming months.
