WhatsApp to Introduce Individual Chat Lock Feature for Enhanced Privacy

WhatsApp is constantly adding new features, such as one-time audio messages and newsletter functionality. But this time, the Meta-owned messaging app is focusing on enhancing user privacy by developing a chat lock feature that will allow individual chats to be locked rather than just the app itself.

The new feature was discovered in the latest Android beta update for WhatsApp by prominent tipster WABetaInfo. The screenshots below show the user interface for the feature, called "Chat lock". As the name implies, it will allow users to keep their chats private from prying eyes.

WhatsApp Chat Lock Functionality

The chat lock feature, like the archive feature, moves locked chats to a separate section. In addition to locking the chats, WhatsApp keeps media and any data shared in these chats private. This means that photos, videos, or documents sent in a "locked chat" are not automatically saved on the device. To access these locked chats, you can use your fingerprint or passcode, as evident from the screenshots.

Another interesting aspect of the screenshot is that the notifications can be hidden from view from the lock screen. For a long time, Android has had a "hide sensitive content" feature that allows users to hide the content of notifications so that important information cannot be gleaned from the lock screen. WhatsApp appears to have the same functionality, though things may change significantly, as the feature is still in development.

However, WABetaInfo points out, "If someone tries to access your phone and fails to provide the necessary authentication, they will be prompted to clear the chat to open it." This entails that you might lose your chat history if someone forcefully tries to bypass your locked chat.

WhatsApp Chat Lock Isn't Live Yet

Because the chat lock feature is still in development, it is not even available on the beta channel, let alone the stable channel. Given that screenshots of the feature have surfaced, it may roll out soon for Android and iOS.