WhatsApp adds disappearing messages

WhatsApp, the messaging platform, has recently introduced the option to use disappearing messages.

According to the platform, when disappearing messages is turned on, new messages sent to a chat will disappear after seven days. This is to make the conversation feel lighter and more private. In a one-to-one conversation, either of the users has the option to turn disappearing messages on or off. The feature in group chats, on the other hand, is taken control of the admins.

Here are the details of the new feature:

• If users don’t open WhatsApp in seven days, the message will disappear. However, the preview of the message might still be displayed in notifications until WhatsApp is opened.
• When users reply to a message, the initial message is quoted. If they reply to a disappearing message, the quoted text might remain in the chat after seven days.
• If a disappearing message is forwarded to a chat with disappearing messages off, the message won’t disappear in the forwarded chat.
• If a user creates a backup before a message disappears, the backup will include the disappearing message. Disappearing messages will be deleted when a user restores from a backup.

The platform also advises users to use the option only with trusted individuals. People can still forward or take a screenshot, copy and save content from the disappearing message, or take a photo of the message before it disappears.

The media that users receive in the platform will be automatically downloaded to their device by default. If the disappearing messages option is turned on, the media sent in the chat will disappear but will be saved on the phone if the auto-download setting is on. Users may turn auto-download off in WhatsApp by going to the smartphone’s Settings and Data and Storage Usage.

WhatsApp clarified that the new setting will not affect messages previously sent or received in the chat. The disappearing messages feature is expected to roll out to users globally this month.

Source: WhatsApp