WhatsApp has just released a new feature called Chat Lock that ensures your private conversations remain private. This update will take your chat threads and put them behind their own locked folder, which can only be accessed through your device’s password or biometrics. Additionally, the content of those conversations will be hidden in your notifications, so no one can see what you’re talking about.
Ideal for those who share a smartphone with family members or have a pesky little brother who likes to snoop around, Chat Lock is easy to enable. Simply tap the name of the chat and select the locking option. To reveal those chats, “pull down on your inbox” and enter your password or biometric to unlock them.
Expanding Chat Lock Options
In the announcement post, Meta states that Chat Lock is just the beginning, with plans to expand Chat Lock options over the next few months. In the future, it will be possible to lock your conversations on companion devices, and users will soon be able to create custom passwords for their chats, which will differ from the ones on their smartphones.
Global Rollout and Face ID Unlock
While the post does not say whether this is a global rollout or not, it is still exciting news for WhatsApp users worldwide. There is also no mention of being able to use Face ID to unlock chats, but we have reached out to Meta for clarification and will update this article accordingly.
Security Features
Chat Lock joins WhatsApp’s long list of security features, such as Device Verification, end-to-end encryption, and two-factor authentication. However, as with any app, there is always room for improvement. While these features offer excellent protection, every now and then, something goes wrong.
Recent Bug
In particular, there is a recent bug that allows WhatsApp to continuously use a phone’s microphone, even if the app is closed. A Twitter engineer was the first to discover this bug, posting a screenshot of the app using the mic at least nine times in the early morning of May 6. Meta is aware of this but claims it isn’t their fault. The official WhatsApp Twitter account points the finger at Google, claiming there’s a bug in the Privacy Dashboard on Android. Regardless of whose fault it is, we recommend turning off your microphone through your device’s settings menu to ensure complete privacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chat Lock is an exciting new feature that gives users more control over their privacy on WhatsApp. With its easy-to-use interface and expanded options on the way, this update is a significant step forward for the app. However, users should remain vigilant and stay informed about any potential bugs or security issues.
