WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature called “Strict Account Settings,” aimed at users who face a higher risk of cyberattacks, including journalists, activists, and public figures. The feature adds additional protections by restricting interactions from unknown contacts and reducing exposure to potential attacks.
How It Works
When enabled, Strict Account Settings automatically block attachments and media from unknown senders, and silence calls from contacts who are not saved. The feature also tightens several other privacy controls across the app.
These changes include disabling link previews, limiting who can add a user to group chats, and preventing non-contacts from viewing profile photos, “about” information, and online status. WhatsApp said the setting is intended only for users who believe they may be targets of advanced cyber campaigns, noting that most users are unlikely to need it.
How to Enable
Users can enable the feature by opening WhatsApp Settings, selecting Privacy, tapping Advanced, and turning on Strict Account Settings. WhatsApp said the option can only be activated from a user’s primary device and is not available through WhatsApp Web.
Strict Account Settings will begin rolling out over the coming weeks.
WhatsApp has long relied on end-to-end encryption to protect private messages. The company strengthened its security posture further after users were targeted by spyware developed by NSO Group, including the Pegasus tool that allowed attackers to compromise devices through phone calls.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, later sued NSO Group and was awarded $167.25 million in damages. WhatsApp also shut down a spyware campaign last year that targeted journalists and civil society members.
Ongoing Privacy Lawsuits
Meta is currently facing a lawsuit alleging that the company and WhatsApp can access private WhatsApp messages. Andy Stone, Meta’s head of communications, rejected the claims, telling Bloomberg the lawsuit is “a frivolous work of fiction.” He said WhatsApp uses the Signal protocol for encryption, which prevents access to message content.
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