WhatsApp, an instant messenger and audio/video call service owned by Facebook’s parent company Meta, announced some new privacy updates on Tuesday. Users of the app know that you can check to see if someone is “online.” Now users will be able to disable or regulate that capability in order to protect their privacy.
So… no Mom, you won’t be able to check if your children are online, and presumably safe and sound. However, young users may be happy that their parents can’t see their online presence.
Another update will prevent people from taking screenshots of your messages. (No more sharing your messages with others or even on Facebook!)
WhatsApp has more than two billion users across the world and is a highly used tool for sending messages and making live audio and video calls over the internet.
In an announcement of Facebook about the privacy changes, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that Meta will “keep building new ways to protect your messages and keep them as private and secure as face-to-face conversations.”
WhatsApp takes privacy seriously, and uses data encryption that allows only the sender and the intended recipient of a message to see the contents. It also allows senders to put an expiration date on their sent messages.
WhatsApp has been scrutinized about its privacy policy because it shares data with Facebook, which has been criticized for its handling of user data.
The new features will allow users to choose who can see whether or not they are “available,” and will allow users to leave groups without notifying the group of their exit.
The screenshot blocking capacity is being tested and will be incorporated in the future.