WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta, is working on a new privacy feature called “lock chats” to enhance user experience and provide a higher level of security for personal conversations, according to a report by WABetaInfo.
The “lock chats” feature is currently under development and is expected to be available for beta testers in an upcoming update. Once fully developed and tested, this feature will enable users to lock specific chats or groups with a fingerprint or passcode, providing an additional layer of security for sensitive conversations.
This innovative feature would allow users to hide selected chats, ensuring they remain hidden from unauthorized access. When a chat is locked, the only way to access it is by using the user’s fingerprint or passcode, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to view the content. In case someone attempts to open a locked chat and fails to provide the correct authentication, they will be required to clear the chat before they can access it.
In addition to safeguarding text messages, the “lock chats” feature is designed to protect media files as well. Photos and videos sent in a locked chat will not be automatically saved to the phone’s gallery, ensuring that the user’s private media remains secure and inaccessible to others.
A screenshot shared online has revealed that WhatsApp is actively working on the development of this feature. As privacy concerns grow globally, the introduction of the “lock chats” feature demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to providing users with advanced security options for their private communications.
The future release of this feature is likely to be well-received by users, as it addresses the growing need for privacy and security in online communications. In an age where data breaches and unauthorized access to personal information are increasingly common, the ability to lock individual chats within a messaging app is a significant step forward in user privacy.
