WhatsApp starts rolling out Android beta version to users An updated version of Advanced Chat Privacy, now called Restricted Chat. The feature introduces an extra level of control over conversations, but should not be confused with the service’s basic security: WhatsApp messages and calls are already protected by end-to-end encryption.
Therefore, Restricted Chat is an additional option designed for those who want to further limit what can be done with a specific conversation. This novelty was discovered in Android version 2.26.39.11 beta, distributed through Google Play.
Restricted chat also limits connected devices
Restricted Chat can be activated from the message screen of a conversation. It’s disabled by default and, at least for now, can only be used in personal chats. Once launched, Restricted Chat will impose restrictions on all participants in the conversation. What WhatsApp needs to prevent first Automatically save multimedia content in the gallerybut you can’t export conversations or use Meta AI features in chat.
The most important news, however, involves connected devices. Restricted chat conversations They can only be used by the master device: Therefore, they are not available on other devices associated with this account. Previously, chats with advanced chat privacy turned on were also available on connected devices.
When restrictions are activated, WhatsApp will also display a message directly in the conversation. This notification informs participants Messages can only be sent and received through the host device, and access through connected devices is restricted.
This change can be Also affects unofficial customers and tools for accessing conversations using connected devices. By blocking specific chats from syncing with these devices, WhatsApp reduces one of the channels through which external applications interact with messages.
However, the distribution of restricted chat is still gradual. Only some beta testers using the latest version of WhatsApp for Android can already find this option in the chat information. Anyone who continues to view Advanced Chat Privacy doesn’t have this new feature yet.
WhatsApp has not yet announced a specific date Restricted chat is coming in stable releases. At the same time, the new settings represent an expansion of privacy controls without changing the basic principles of session security: end-to-end encryption remains active regardless of whether the new feature is used.
What do you think? In which chats would you use this option? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.