Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced its latest update introducing "disappearing voice messages" to enhance user privacy within the app. The feature, which is being rolled out globally, lets users send voice messages that self-delete after a single playback, similar to the "view once" functionality for photos and videos introduced in 2021. The messages are distinguished by a "one-time" icon, signaling to recipients that they are limited to a single play, with no option for forwarding, saving, starring, or sharing.
"We introduced View Once for photos and videos back in 2021 to add another layer of privacy to your messages. Today, we’re excited to announce you can now send a voice message that will disappear once listened to. For reading out your credit card details to a friend, or when you’re planning a surprise, you can now also share sensitive information over voice message with added peace of mind. For consistency with View Once photos and videos, View Once voice messages are clearly marked with the 'one-time' icon and can only be played one time,"t the company said in a statement.
As with all personal messages, WhatsApp protects the voice messages with end-to-end encryption by default, and "View Once" can also be used alongside.
"View Once voice messages are rolling out globally over the coming days, and we look forward to your feedback," WhatsApp added.
How To Send Disappearing Voice Messages On WhatsApp
Once a user receives a View Once photo, video, or voice message, it must be opened within 14 days of sending; otherwise, it will expire from the chat. Features like forwarding, saving, starring, or sharing are disabled for media sent or received with View Once enabled. If the message is unopened during a backup, View Once media and voice messages can be restored. However, if the photo, voice message, or video was opened, it won't be part of the backup and cannot be restored.
Taking a screenshot of any received View Once media is not permitted by WhatsApp.
Meanwhile, the world's most popular chat platform has recently rolled out an interesting Secret Code feature, giving users an additional layer of privacy by enabling them to conceal locked chats through a personalised password. Upon installation, users can designate a unique code, potentially adorned with emojis, specifically for securing locked chats, distinct from the device unlock code.
This innovative feature serves to obscure the Locked Chats folder from the main chat list, with the ability to unveil it again by inputting the secret code into the search bar for effortless access