In a bid to enhance user privacy, WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature called “Advanced Chat Privacy” that aims to prevent conversations from being taken outside the app. When activated, this setting blocks others from exporting chat history and automatically downloading photos and videos shared within the app.

The new feature not only restricts the export of chat data but also prevents messages from being used for Meta AI purposes. Currently, Meta AI allows users to ask questions and generate images within a chat, a functionality that will be curtailed with the introduction of Advanced Chat Privacy.

By default, WhatsApp saves media shared in chats to the device’s local storage and enables users to export chats (with or without media) to messages, email, or notes apps. The new setting will now restrict these actions in both individual and group chats, bolstering privacy and data security.

While the Advanced Chat Privacy feature does not prevent users from taking screenshots or manually downloading media from chats, WhatsApp has indicated that this is just the initial version of the feature. The company plans to introduce additional safeguards in future updates to further protect user privacy.

WhatsApp recommends using the Advanced Chat Privacy feature, especially in group chats where users may not be closely acquainted but wish to maintain sensitive discussions. The feature, initially spotted by WABetaInfo, is now available in the latest version of the app and can be activated by accessing the chat settings and selecting “Advanced Chat Privacy.”

Update, April 23rd: Additional details provided by WhatsApp regarding the Advanced Chat Privacy feature.