“Chat Lock on WhatsApp” is the name of a new function that is intended to create more security: In the future, individual conversations can be locked again on the messenger. The chats can then only be opened with the password – optionally biometric – of the device. All messages are in a kind of folder that can be locked. Notifications of incoming messages from locked chats no longer include a preview either of the content or the sender. With this second level of security, Meta wants to make it even easier for users to keep messages private and secure, according to the announcement. Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg himself shared a picture on Facebook showing the feature.
The chat lock should be particularly practical if you give your smartphone out of your hand more often, for example to family members Blog post by Meta. Then neither the notifications can be read nor can the person read all messages unhindered. The extra encryption works for one-on-one and group chats. Just like the archived chats, you can find them by pulling down the entire chat overview. When you select it, you will be asked for a fingerprint, password or Face ID.
WhatsApp Lock Chat will be made available worldwide from now on. Other features that encrypt conversations are expected to appear in the coming months, such as for linked devices. It has also been announced that you will soon be able to create a password for the chats within the app itself.
Only recently has it been possible to use one WhatsApp account on four smartphones at the same time. Mark Zuckerberg also announced the change on Facebook with a one-liner. Previously, users had to log out in order to be able to switch phones.
(emw)
