WhatsApp Introduces “Advanced Chat Privacy” Feature To Protect Users’ Data

WhatsApp launched a new security feature called Advanced Chat Privacy this Wednesday to protect users’ data and block others from exporting and downloading private data from chats.

According to WhatsApp’s announcement, the new security update can prevent people from downloading media shared in chats or using messages for AI features—Meta recently integrated its Meta AI model into its platforms, including WhatsApp, and expanded to Europe in March.

“Today we’re introducing our latest layer for privacy called ‘Advanced Chat Privacy,’” states the document. “This new setting available in both chats and groups helps prevent others from taking content outside of WhatsApp for when you may want extra privacy.”

WhatsApp explains that the new feature guarantees that no group member or any other person can download the information shared for other purposes, and the chat remains protected.

“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,” wrote the company.

Users interested in activating Advanced Chat Privacy can turn it on through the chat settings as soon as it is available. The company said the feature is currently rolling out globally in the latest version of the app.

add an extra layer of protection to your chats 🔒 advanced chat privacy stops media downloads, block chat exports, and keep your messages between you and who you’re talking to pic.twitter.com/8wmh2OCgQL

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 23, 2025

While this new update adds a new privacy layer to protect users’ data, there are still vulnerabilities and concerns in the tech community.

According to The Verge, Advanced Chat Privacy doesn’t stop people from taking screenshots or downloading information manually. However, a spokesperson from WhatsApp, Zade Alsawah, told the news website that this is a “first version” and that the company expects to add more protection and safety measures in the future.

Meta has announced multiple updates for its chat platform in the past few months. In November, WhatsApp rolled out its audio transcription feature for voice messages, and, in January, the tech giant linked WhatsApp to the accounts center, connecting the platform to Instagram and Facebook.