Tech Desk 
Apr 04, 2025
WhatsApp is testing a new feature to protect users’ private chats. This new WhatsApp privacy update will limit how messages and media can be shared, giving users more control over their conversations.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is part of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.10.14, now available on the Google Play Store.
What's new in WhatsApp?
The update introduces a tool called “advanced chat privacy” which focuses on stopping unwanted sharing of messages.
With this update, WhatsApp users will be able to stop media from automatically saving to their phone's gallery. This is a feature that already exists for disappearing messages, but now it will apply more broadly.
Another key change is that users can block the export of entire chat histories, especially if the messages are from users who have enabled the privacy setting. This helps stop unauthorised message sharing and protects sensitive conversations.
The new setting won’t stop message forwarding, as WhatsApp still wants the app to be easy to use. But if the advanced privacy feature is turned on, users in the same chat won’t be able to interact with Meta AI in that conversation.
Currently, the update does not include a feature to stop screenshots of chats. WhatsApp has explained that screenshot blocking isn’t effective because people can still take screenshots using WhatsApp Web or other external tools.
