WhatsApp’s latest feature blocks exports and AI use in chats

WhatsApp just launched a new level of privacy: Advanced Chat Privacy.

WhatsApp has always had end-to-end encryption, a feature on many messaging apps, including Signal and Facebook Messenger, that ensures your message can't be read while it's being sent. WhatsApp also has other privacy features, like disappearing messages and chat locks. But on Wednesday, the app launched "Advanced Chat Privacy."

"Advanced Chat Privacy," available in one-on-one chats and group chats, blocks users from exporting chats, auto-downloading media, and using messages for AI features.

"WhatsApp groups are increasingly an extension of our real-world networks, some of which are far closer than others," the Meta-owned app said in its blog post about the feature. "We think this feature is best used when talking with groups where you may not know everyone closely but are nevertheless sensitive in nature, like talking about health challenges in a support group or organizing your community about something important to you."

How to use WhatsApp's Advanced Chat Privacy

To use the feature, make sure your app is updated, tap the chat name, and then tap "Advanced Chat Privacy."

Of course, it's important to remember that even the most advanced privacy measures can't help you if you add a high-level journalist to your text conversation and start talking about imminent military plans.