# WhatsApp Privacy Features WhatsApp Rolls Out New In-App Controls For Stronger Account Security By Debra John | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-01-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inapp-controls References: [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/5-features-that-boost-security-and-privacy-on-whatsapp/)  [WhatsApp's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chat-lock) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anti-theft-1) and optional passkeys. App Lock and Chat Lock place conversations behind biometrics, while new Advanced Security settings can [block unknown messages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scam-protection-features), 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 Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 62% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **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. ### Who This Affects Most - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real-Time Translator Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-polyglot.md) - [Storage Cleanup Utilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whatsapp-cleaner.md) - [Personal Phone Diaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/today-has-been.md) - [Conversational Productivity Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stella-ai.md) - [AI Emoji Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emoji-bot.md) - [AI Task Automators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triggs-ai.md) - [Conversational Content Publishing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/writerry.md) - [AI Business Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fyrma.md) - [AI Career Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/niya-ai.md)