How does WhatsApp's Privacy Checkup enhance security?

WhatsApp, one of the most widely used chat apps across the world, recently launched a new feature called the Privacy Checkup that offers step-by-step instructions for privacy settings.

According to Mint, the feature enables users to choose who can contact them, and with whom to share personal information, regulate message access, and apply additional security measures.

To bolster its security protocols, the messaging app owned by Meta Platforms launched a Privacy Checkup feature for iOS and Android smartphones.

In a blog post, while announcing the new Privacy Checkup 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".

Using this feature on WhatsApp is quite simple. 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.

What settings can WhatsApp's Privacy Checkup adjust?

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.