Last May 15th, WhatsApp launched one of the most long-awaited, yet controversial features of the app. Users can now hide conversations from prying eyes. The goal is to protect the chat from potential invaders or people who borrow each other’s cell phone, for example.
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In this way, protected conversations cannot be read by anyone other than the owner of the profile. However, this tool has also been criticized by many people who have noticed the possibility of acting dishonestly.
WhatsApp chat protection; understand how it works
The new feature is called “Chat Protection” and it’s a way to protect chats within the app with passwords. Two different blocking methods can be used: PIN code or biometrics. Thus, when a chat contains confidential information, only the owner of the profile knows how to access the content within it.
So if someone picks up your phone and opens the messenger, they won’t be able to read the protected messages. This is a great solution in cases of burglary and theft, for example.
However, if any user wants to hide the ‘secret life’ they lead through WhatsApp, they can also do that. This means that the mechanism also allows you to hide information from other people, even “deceptive” content, such as treason, for example.
How to activate the new application functionality
First, it should be noted that the novelty is in the process of being distributed. So, your WhatsApp may not be up to date yet, but it will soon. Just in case, go to the Play Store or App Store and search for the messenger to see if there are any updates available for it.
If the option is active, just scroll the conversations page to the end and find the “Blocked chats” section. After that, you can register a password or biometrics. So tap and hold on a conversation to send it to the blocked chats page. Nobody will be able to access.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.