Screenshots, online status, groups: WhatsApp tightens data protection

• WhatsApp tightens data protection in Messenger.
• Three new functions should give you more control over your data.
• The changes affect groups, online status and taking screenshots.

Just recently, WhatsApp extended the window for deleting messages for everyone. Now the messenger announces the introduction of three new privacy options. You have to be prepared for the following changes:

• Set who can see online status: With WhatsApp you can specify who can see when you were last online. However, if you are currently active in Messenger, all of your contacts will be shown that you are online. That is now changing. Similar to “Last Seen”, you can specify which contacts are allowed to see your online status.
• Leave group silently: If you leave a group, only the administrator of this group will be informed in the future.
• Blocking screenshots: Media sent to you for one-time viewing will no longer be able to be screenshotted.

First innovations later this month

The first two new features should be included in the app later this month. WhatsApp is currently testing how to prevent screenshots. This feature is also to be introduced into Messenger shortly, according to the WhatsApp-Blog

There have been rumors in recent weeks that WhatsApp is planning changes to online status and leaving groups. The blocking of screenshots, on the other hand, is a surprise. Whether the feature will be expanded and WhatsApp plans to introduce general screenshot notifications remains to be seen.

WhatsApp could come up with another change in groups later this year. It is rumored that in future your phone number will only be visible to all contacts with your consent.

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