WhatsApp has introduced an additional privacy layer known as Advanced Chat Privacy, which allows users to block participants from sharing content in conversations in traditional chats and groups.
“This new setting, available both for chat and for groups, will help prevent others from retrieving content outside of WhatsApp if they require additional privacy,” WhatsApp said in a statement.
An optional feature, when enabled, prevents others from exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phones, or using messages for artificial intelligence (AI) features. However, it is worth noting that users can take individual screenshots and download media manually.
A popular messaging service said the feature is “optimally used” when users have sensitive conversations with groups that may not know everyone closely.
According to WhatsApp, the feature is rolling over to all users participating in the latest version of the application.
The disclosure comes as the Commission has fined 200 million euros ($227 million) by illegally requesting that users choose the “wage or consent” model and illegally requesting that those who disagree with no personalisation or equivalent alternatives.
“This model is not DMA-compliant because it did not provide users with the specific choices needed to select a service that uses personal data but is equivalent to a “personalized advertising” service,” the committee said.
“In the meta model, users were not allowed to exercise their right to freely agree to a combination of personal data.”
EU Watchdog said it is evaluating a new version of Meta’s launch in November 2024 and is “are said to use less personalized ads to display ads.”
Please note that the 200 million euro fine is only for the period until March 2024 when the DMA came into effect, and for November 2024, and if the new system is not complied with, the company may face additional penalties.
Meta responds to the fines by stating that the committee is “trying to handicap successful American companies while ensuring Chinese and European companies can operate under various standards.”
“And the European Commission is hurting European businesses and the economy by unfairly restricting personalized advertising,” said Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief global affairs officer.
