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WhatsApp has started rolling out its new Restricted Chat feature to select beta users on Android and iOS, adding four restrictions designed to limit how messages and media can be accessed or handled within a conversation.
According to GSM Arena, Restricted Chat is available to some users running WhatsApp beta version 2.26.36.4 on Android and 26.39.10.20 on iOS. The feature was first reported last month as an upgrade to WhatsApp's Advanced Chat Privacy functionality. Restricted Chat is optional and does not apply to conversations by default. Users can manually enable it from the chat info screen for individual conversations. Once enabled, WhatsApp displays a message in the conversation and applies four restrictions. People in a Restricted Chat cannot automatically save media to their devices, export the chat, or use Meta AI features within the conversation. The feature also prevents participants from using linked devices for the chat. WhatsApp says, "this helps to prevent people in the chat from using unofficial clients or AI agents to access it," as cited by GSM Arena. WhatsApp has also clarified that enabling Restricted Chat does not change the encryption status of conversations. Messages and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption, whether the feature is enabled or not. The Restricted Chat feature is currently limited to some users enrolled in WhatsApp's beta programme. WhatsApp has not yet indicated when it will be rolled out publicly to all users. (ANI)
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