WhatsApp has introduced a new tool that is said to protect your privacy.
Protect your data from unauthorized access
In addition to offering end-to-end encryption for all your personal messages, WhatsApp already provides plenty of privacy-related features such as App Lock, Chat Lock, read receipts, and others. Meta is expanding the list by introducing a new extreme-protection feature called Strict Account Settings to WhatsApp.
It has been introduced to protect you from sophisticated cyberattacks. Once you enable it, WhatsApp will automatically block any media and attachments you receive from unknown accounts. Additionally, the platform will silence calls from unknown contacts, disable link previews, and prevent unknown contacts from adding you to groups.
The option is turned off by default. Here's how to enable it:
Open the WhatsApp Settings menu and then navigate to Privacy > Advanced > Strict account settings
Choose Next
Tap Turn On and then select Turn On again from the popup to confirm.
Under the Advanced section, there are separate toggles for disabling link previews and blocking messages from people you don't know. That means you also have the option to enable just these privacy settings instead of the Strict Account Settings, which add an extreme protection layer to your account.
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The feature is coming at an interesting time
Strict Account Settings option in WhatsApp. | Image by PhoneArena.
The timing of the Strict Account Settings feature rollout is interesting. That's because it was just a few days ago that a lawsuit was filed against Meta, claiming that WhatsApp personal messages aren't fully end-to-end encrypted and can easily be read by Meta employees. Elon Musk also took advantage of the situation to promote X's Chat feature, posting that, unlike WhatsApp and even Signal, Chat on X is fully secure. However, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart denied all the claims in the lawsuit and further stated that it was filed just to seek attention.
That said, if you use WhatsApp, I highly recommend enabling the new setting. To further strengthen your privacy, you can also take advantage of the Lockdown Mode feature if you have an Apple device. And if you own an Android smartphone, like me owning the Pixel 10, you can enable the Advanced Protection Mode that was introduced to the platform last year with Android 16.
Meta says that it will start rolling out the feature in the coming weeks. It's worth noting that you can enable or disable it only through your primary device, not through WhatsApp Web.
Aman Kumar is a tech news writer with a long-standing passion for smartphones. Aman specializes in everything smartphones, from AI features like Pixel’s Camera Coach to understanding ideal hardware combinations. He loves breaking down complex features in a simple, clear way and hopes manufacturers bring back bold designs like the Nokia N-Gage. When he’s not writing, he’s either gaming on PUBG or talking fitness as a dedicated gym enthusiast.
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