WHATSAPP is letting you set self-destruction timers for ALL of your chats.
That means all texts will automatically delete after a chosen period of time.
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The new update is aimed at boosting your privacy – by destroying old WhatsApp messages.
You can set Disappearing Messages to automatically turn on for all new chats – without affecting existing conversations.
And two new durations have been added for Disappearing Messages, 24 hours and 90 days.
So now you can choose from four options in total: 24 hours, 7 days, 90 days or Off.
“Deciding how long a message lasts should be in your hands,” said WhatsApp.
“We’ve become accustomed to leaving a digital copy of just about everything we type without even thinking about it.
“It’s become the equivalent of a note taker following us around making a permanent record of everything we’ve said.
“This is why we introduce disappearing messages last year, and more recently a way for photos and videos to immediately disappear after being viewed once.”
WhatsApp’s new feature begins rolling out today.
So if you don’t see it yet, try updating your app or simply wait a few days.
Enabling Disappearing Messages automatically works for all one-on-one chats.
And either party in the chat can choose the setting.
It won’t change or delete any of your existing chats, so don’t worry about losing old info.
A message will also be displayed warning people in the conversation that messages will be deleted.
This notification will reveal how long you have to read the texts before they vanish forever.
Don’t trust it
Bear in mind that this system isn’t perfect.
Someone could still screenshot or copy your texts to keep a record of them.
So if you really want to keep something off the internet, consider not posting it – unless you’re messaging someone you absolutely trust.
All of the Disappearing Messages remain end-to-end encrypted, just like regular WhatsApp missives.
“Living apart from family and friends for over a year has made it clearer than ever that just because we can’t physically talk in person, it doesn’t mean we should have to sacrifice the privacy of our personal connections,” said WhatsApp.
“We believe Disappearing Messages along with end-to-end encryption are two crucial features that define what it means to be a private messaging service today.
“And bring us one step closer to the feeling of an in-person conversation.”
To use the feature, update your WhatsApp app and then go into Privacy Settings.
You’ll find the new feature under Default Message Timer.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
