WhatsApp Rolls Out New In-App Controls For Stronger Account Security
Edited by Debra John — January 19, 2026 — Tech
This article was written with the assistance of AI.
References: wired
WhatsApp's in-app controls have expanded on its built-in privacy toolkit with a slate of features designed to lock down personal chats for its 3 billion users; from stricter account access to tighter control over how messages and media can be shared.
Recent additions and updates include a guided Privacy Checkup dashboard, disappearing messages as a default for new chats, and two-step verification with a security PIN and optional passkeys. App Lock and Chat Lock place conversations behind biometrics, while new Advanced Security settings can block unknown messages, route calls through WhatsApp’s servers to hide IP addresses, and disable link previews that may expose metadata. Advanced Chat Privacy gives per-chat control over forwarding, media auto-downloads, and use in AI features, complemented by familiar tools like turning off read receipts and auto media saving.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / BongkarnGraphic
Recent additions and updates include a guided Privacy Checkup dashboard, disappearing messages as a default for new chats, and two-step verification with a security PIN and optional passkeys. App Lock and Chat Lock place conversations behind biometrics, while new Advanced Security settings can block unknown messages, route calls through WhatsApp’s servers to hide IP addresses, and disable link previews that may expose metadata. Advanced Chat Privacy gives per-chat control over forwarding, media auto-downloads, and use in AI features, complemented by familiar tools like turning off read receipts and auto media saving.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / BongkarnGraphic
Trend Themes
-
Enhanced Privacy Controls — The introduction of advanced privacy settings signals a trend towards more granular user control over data sharing and account security.
-
Biometric Authentication Adoption — The adoption of biometric locks for apps and chats is highlighting a move towards more personal and secure authentication methods.
-
Privacy-first Messaging Features — Default settings like disappearing messages and media protection are emphasizing the trend for built-in privacy without user intervention.
Industry Implications
-
Cybersecurity — The cybersecurity industry stands to grow with innovations focusing on enhanced user data protection and anti-surveillance measures.
-
Biometrics Technology — Biometrics technology is seeing increased relevance in personal device security, offering new opportunities for secure user authentication.
-
Digital Communication — Developments in privacy-centric messaging features drive advancements in digital communication platforms emphasizing user privacy.
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
