WhatsApp Explores Enhanced Privacy with Locked Chats on Linked Devices

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is testing a new feature that could provide an additional layer of privacy for users. The feature, currently in beta testing for Android, allows users to lock chats on linked devices, such as WhatsApp Web or desktop apps.

For those unfamiliar, the chat lock feature has been available on WhatsApp since 2023. However, it was previously exclusive to primary devices like smartphones. With the upcoming update, users will be able to extend this privacy-focused functionality to their linked devices as well.

The chat lock feature enables users to hide specific conversations from the main chat list. This can be done by securing the chat with a passcode or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition. Once locked, the chat will disappear from the regular chat list, ensuring that sensitive or private conversations remain hidden from prying eyes.

According to reports from WABetaInfo, a platform that tracks WhatsApp updates, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (version 2.24.11.9) includes the chat lock feature for linked devices. When attempting to access a locked chat on a linked device, users will be prompted to enter a secret code. This code must be set up on the primary device, and once entered correctly, the locked chat will become accessible on the linked device.

The chat lock feature is designed to provide an additional layer of privacy for WhatsApp users. It allows them to keep certain conversations hidden from view, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the locked chats by providing the necessary authentication.

While the chat lock feature for linked devices is currently in beta testing, there is no official information on when it will be rolled out to the stable version of WhatsApp. However, it is expected that once the beta testing phase is complete, the update will be made available to both iOS and Android users.

In addition to the locked chats feature, WhatsApp is also reportedly working on bringing Channels to linked devices. Channels is a dedicated space within the app for updates from organizations and individuals that are not in a user’s contact list. According to WABetaInfo, recent beta versions of WhatsApp for Android have shown signs that Channels could be accessible on linked devices as well, allowing users to find, manage, follow, and create Channels from their desktop or web apps.

As privacy concerns continue to grow in the digital age, features like locked chats and Channels on linked devices could help WhatsApp users maintain greater control over their personal information and communications across multiple devices.