WhatsApp introduces Chat Lock, a new feature that enhances privacy and protects conversations

WhatsApp has released a new feature called Chat Lock aimed at bolstering user privacy. Once a chat is locked, it is discreetly moved to a separate folder that can only be accessed through the user's device password or biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or face recognition, so users can safeguard their chats from prying eyes, particularly in situations where they may need to share their unlocked phone with others.

One of the primary benefits of Chat Lock is its ability to automatically hide the contents of locked chats in notifications, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential. This feature proves particularly useful for individuals who occasionally share their phones with family members or when entrusting their devices to others during confidential conversations. By tapping on the name of a one-to-one or group chat, users can easily select the lock option to activate Chat Lock and safeguard their conversations. WhatsApp's Chat Lock is similar to Apple Photos hidden feature for iCloud, ensuring that sensitive conversations remain private.

To gain access to locked chats, users need to navigate to the inbox and pull down, prompting the entry of their phone password or biometric authentication. WhatsApp also has plans to expand the capabilities of Chat Lock in the future. Upcoming options may include locking for companion devices, enabling users to secure their chats across multiple platforms. Additionally, users will have the flexibility to create a customized password specifically for their chats, separate from their device's password, providing an added level of personalization and security.

The Chat Lock feature is currently being rolled out gradually, and WhatsApp encourages its users to inform their friends about this new functionality. While WhatsApp already employs end-to-end encryption for its messages, this alone may not prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing conversations on an unlocked phone. Therefore, the Chat Lock feature offers an added level of security, making it particularly useful for empowering its users with greater control over their private conversations. It ensures that sensitive information remains secure, even in shared or temporary device usage scenarios.