WhatsApp, developed by Meta, stands out as one of the most widely used applications for communication, image sharing, video forwarding, and the exchange of various information. With just a simple click, it has revolutionized global connectivity, enabling people to converse effortlessly across the world at no cost.
The platform offers an array of features, including the ability to upload statuses where users share their thoughts, videos, and images with their contacts. Originally designed for personal communication, WhatsApp has expanded its presence into the professional realm, serving as a versatile blend of private messaging and social media.
Amid concerns related to WhatsApp scams, allegations of data theft, and user surveillance, it’s crucial to be aware of the privacy and safety features that can help safeguard your personal data and ensure the confidentiality of your conversations.
1. Automatic Security Code
This feature enables users to establish the authenticity of a secure connection with the recipient they are initiating a conversation with. This process, known as ‘Key Transparency,’ ensures end-to-end encryption for calls and conversations. By clicking on the encryption tab, users can promptly verify the security of their personal conversations, as highlighted in a WhatsApp blog.
2. Account Protection
When logging into your WhatsApp account from a new device, the platform employs a double-check mechanism to confirm your identity. It prompts you to verify your previous device, ensuring that you are the legitimate account holder and deterring any unauthorized attempts to use your account on another device.
3. Silence Unknown Caller
In a Facebook post, Mark Zuckerberg announced that WhatsApp users now have the option to automatically silence calls from unfamiliar numbers. This added control further enhances privacy. While these silenced calls won’t disrupt your work or appear on your device, they will be visible in your call list. Activating ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ is achieved through the settings menu.
4. Disappearing Messages
For those who share sensitive information on WhatsApp, the ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature offers a valuable data protection tool. Enabling this feature in a conversation will automatically delete the messages within 24 hours. It’s now applicable to group chats as well, ensuring that sensitive conversations leave no digital traces.
5. Lock WhatsApp
Considering WhatsApp’s integration for money transfers, securing the application becomes paramount. The ‘Lock WhatsApp’ feature, accessible in settings, allows users to specify the duration the application remains unlocked. After the designated time, the app enters standby mode and can be reactivated using Face or Touch ID.
6. Two-Step Verification
Upon initial usage, WhatsApp initiates a two-step verification process to authenticate your number. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring anyone attempting to use your account on a different device to input a six-digit code sent to your registered number. As a result, without access to the registered number, unauthorized access is prevented.
By familiarizing yourself with these privacy and safety measures, you can navigate WhatsApp confidently, maintaining the integrity of your conversations and personal information.