WhatsApp is set to develop a new privacy feature that will automatically delete messages shortly after they are read.
According to reports, the new tool, currently named “After Reading,” is designed to give users a faster and more secure way to send sensitive messages.
Reports indicate that once the feature is activated, a 15-minute countdown will begin once the recipient opens a message, after which it will automatically be deleted from both the sender’s and receiver’s chats.
However, if the message is not opened, it will remain visible for up to 24 hours before disappearing.
The popular platform will also ensure that messages are only temporary and limits the chances of sensitive data staying in the chat history.
WhatsApp to introduce a new feature that deleted messages automatically
The new automatic deletion system would cater to messages that need to vanish much faster.
It will also offer users more control over their conversations, particularly when sharing sensitive information such as one-time passwords (OTPs), addresses and verification codes.
Further reports indicate that the future will work even if read receipts are turned off.
Though some users disable blue ticks for privacy, the new feature will still detect when a message is opened and automatically start the 15-minute deletion timer.
It builds on WhatsApp’s existing View Once feature, which allows photos, videos and voice notes to disappear after being opened once. “After Reading” extends the concept to text messages.
