WhatsApp now allows you to disable chat export, auto-upload photos from chat, and limit Meta AI

WhatsApp has announced a new feature that will allow users to add an extra layer of privacy to their chats. The new setting, called Advanced Chat Privacy, will block the ability to export conversations and automatically download media files to your device, for both you and your contacts. Previously, WhatsApp allowed you to block messages from being forwarded.

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While WhatsApp messaging is already end-to-end encrypted, the new feature strengthens the privacy of messaging. It not only limits the ability to interact with Meta✴ AI, but also helps participants feel more confident that everything said and sent in the chat stays within the chat.

It’s worth noting that users can still take screenshots of individual messages. However, WhatsApp says it plans to expand the functionality of “Enhanced Chat Privacy” in the future with additional security measures — perhaps banning screenshots in a future version.

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The company emphasizes that this feature can be especially useful in situations where the participants in a chat do not know each other personally but are discussing sensitive topics, such as health issues in a support group or important social issues.

You can enable the new setting by clicking on the chat name and selecting “Enhanced Chat Privacy” from the menu. The feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months and will be available in both individual and group chats. It complements existing privacy tools like disappearing messages and chat blocking.