PHOTO: Reuters
The option to set self-destructing messages can be found in two beta versions of the app, reports GSMarena.
The option allows users to set how long messages remain in private chats using a timer. A clock icon indicates how much time is left before the message disappears.
It has not yet been confirmed when the feature will be introduced by WhatsApp.
WhatsApp security breach may have targeted human rights groups
Once the feature is available, users can mark the chat as “disappeared” enabling the option “Disappearing messages”. After enabling this option, any message will be automatically removed and there will be no tracks available in the chat about deleted messages.
📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.20.83 and 2.20.84: what's new?
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 13, 2020
WhatsApp is working again on the new Delete Messages feature, that will automatically removes messages. New tests include individual chats too!https://t.co/xBzJ8yrTi5
NOTE: This feature will be available in future.
According to WABetaInfo the feature is in the initial state of development. There is no confirmation as whether other security enhancing features such as reporting screenshots or preventing text-copying will be added along with the update.
WhatsApp makes changes to group chat
WhatsApp has come under fire recently for frequent security breaches. One of the world’s most popular messaging tools, is used 2 billion people monthly. It has touted its high level of security and privacy, with messages on its platform being encrypted end-to-end so that WhatsApp and third parties cannot read or listen to them.
Although encryption used by WhatsApp and other messaging applications prevents eavesdropping on messages and conversations it does not protect against an attack that gains access to the device itself, researchers note.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ