WhatsApp tests ‘Restricted Chat’ privacy feature for beta users

WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature called ‘Restricted Chat’ for select beta users on Android and iOS. This function serves as an upgrade to existing advanced chat privacy settings, allowing users to manually apply additional layers of protection to specific, sensitive conversations.

When a chat is marked as ‘Restricted’, several technical limitations are activated. Media files, such as photos and videos, will no longer be automatically saved to the device’s gallery. Additionally, the chat history cannot be exported as a file, and the conversation will not be accessible via linked devices like WhatsApp Web or desktop applications.

To further isolate the content, Meta AI functions will be disabled within these restricted chats. These measures are designed to prevent unauthorized access through unofficial clients or automated AI agents. Despite these new restrictions, the core security of the platform remains unchanged, as all messages and calls continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption.