WhatsApp may introduce a ‘Restricted Chat’ feature; linked devices and chat exports to be restricted: Report

Meta's instant messaging platform, WhatsApp, frequently introduces new features and updates across Android, iOS, and the web to continuously enhance the user experience. Following the recent introduction of parental controls for teen accounts, the company is reportedly testing a feature that allows users to restrict chat exports, the use of Meta AI, and automatic media downloads, while also blocking access to the chat from the other person's linked devices.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the company is testing a rebranding of its existing 'Advanced chat privacy' feature to 'Restricted chat,' while also adding limitations regarding the primary device. This move is likely intended to resolve confusion caused by the previous name, which led some users to believe that not enabling this optional feature would result in reduced privacy. This change is currently being rolled out to select Android beta testers.

The feature is expected to appear within the chat info screen and will impose four types of restrictions on the chat with a specific person: the other party will be unable to automatically save chat media to their phone or export the chat. Additionally, they will be prevented from using Meta AI within that specific chat.

Most importantly, the user will be barred from accessing your chats via linked devices (such as WhatsApp Web or tablets). According to the description of the WhatsApp beta for Android shared by WABetaInfo, this will help "prevent people in the chat from using unofficial clients or AI agents to access the conversation." This change aims to curb unofficial tools that typically rely on linked devices to access conversations. Once this feature is enabled, chat messages will be restricted to the primary devices of both users. This security measure further strengthens the existing end-to-end encryption protocol used for message privacy. Meanwhile, the platform is also working on a new, cleaner look for the bottom navigation bar—removing text labels—which could give it an appearance very similar to that of an iPhone.

Additionally, the company has recently introduced parental controls for teen accounts on the platform. These features add safety safeguards and access limitations for children, ensuring they can navigate the platform in a secure environment.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.