WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy, offering users more control over how their conversations are shared and used. With this update, users can now block others from exporting chats, auto-downloading shared media, or using messages with AI tools. The feature can be enabled in the latest version of WhatsApp and is aimed at enhancing personal and group chat privacy. While it blocks chat exports and auto-downloads, manual downloads and screenshots are still possible.
According to WhatsApp, this move reflects its continued focus on user trust and end-to-end encryption. It is especially relevant in today’s digital world, where concerns around data misuse and unauthorized content sharing remain high.
Better Protection for Sensitive Conversations
Advanced Chat Privacy is designed to give users an extra layer of security. It prevents others from exporting conversation logs, saving media automatically, or reusing messages with AI features.
This update is particularly useful in group chats, where it helps users proactively protect their privacy. It also shows how tech companies are moving towards giving users more precise controls over their digital lives.
Meta Hit with €200 Million Fine for Privacy Violations
Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, is facing heat from the European Commission. The Commission has fined Meta €200 million ($227 million) for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The fine is related to Meta’s controversial “pay or consent” ad model. Where users either had to accept extensive data collection or pay for an ad-free service. Regulators said this model violated DMA rules because it didn’t give users a real choice to limit personal data collection without affecting their service experience.
The fine covers violations between March 2024 and November 2024, when the DMA came into effect. Although Meta has since adjusted its ad model to reportedly reduce data usage, regulators are still evaluating it—and further penalties could follow if Meta is found non-compliant.
Meta has defended itself, arguing that European regulators are unfairly targeting American tech companies and warning that these strict rules could hurt businesses across Europe.
Also Read: Meta Plans to Use Public Posts and AI Data for EU Model Training
