WhatsApp is testing a new feature called "Restricted Chat" on iOS and Android devices for a select group of beta users. This feature is being introduced as a successor to "Advanced Chat Privacy," offering stricter control measures.
The Restricted Chat feature allows users to secure specific conversations, particularly those containing sensitive information. When activated, these conversations can only be accessed on the primary phone and will not appear on linked devices, such as a secondary phone or a computer. Additionally, photos and videos from these conversations are not automatically saved to the gallery, and the chats cannot be transferred or used with Meta AI.
Regardless of the chosen settings, all messages and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption. This is an optional feature that gives users the flexibility to decide which conversations to restrict. Currently, Restricted Chat is available only to a select group of users, with a broader rollout expected to take place gradually.
