How does WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup feature gives users control of security?

WhatsApp, one of the most popular chat apps with billions of users worldwide, recently introduced a new feature called Privacy Checkup which offers step-by-step instructions to its users for setting up their privacy preferences.

The feature allows users to control who can contact them, choose with whom they want to share their personal information, regulate message access and apply additional security measures.

To enhance its security protocols, the Meta-owned messaging app launched the Privacy Checkup feature for both iOS and Android smartphones, Mint reported.

This feature empowers users to take control of their privacy and offers a sense of security while using the app.

In a blog post, while announcing the new feature, Meta said: “This step-by-step feature guides you through important privacy settings to help you choose the right level of protection, all in one place.

“Selecting ‘Start checkup’ in your Privacy settings will navigate you through multiple privacy layers that strengthen the security of your messages, calls, and personal information.”

A page detailing the new feature reads, Privacy Checkup “allows you to access step-by-step guidance to help strengthen the security of your account and customise your privacy settings all in one place”.

The chatting app’s recent privacy feature is simple to use.

Just open WhatsApp and navigate to the settings menu on your iOS or Android device. At this point, you will find the banner to start the privacy checkup located at the top of the screen.

Then, click on the specific option to adjust the privacy settings.

Here’s what WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup can help you adjust according to your preference:

Choose who can contact you

With WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup feature, users can control who can contact them and stop unwanted calls and messages.

It also allows them to change who can add them to groups, silence unknown callers and manage blocked contacts.

Control personal information

This feature also enables users to choose the audience with whom they want to share personal information such as online status and activity. 

Additionally, users can decide who can view their profile photo, control who can see their last seen and online status, and manage read receipts.

Default message timer

By controlling their end-to-end encrypted backups and default message timer, users can limit access to their files and messages.

Fingerprint protection

With the help of the messaging app’s two-step verification and a fingerprint lock, WhatsApp users can further secure their accounts.