WhatsApp is making some big changes to its platform that will allow users more control over their privacy. Starting soon, users can control who can see when they're online, prevent others from taking screenshots of certain messages, and leave groups without notifying the entire channel. This is a big move for WhatsApp, which has more than 2 billion users globally and comes at a time when many people are concerned about their online privacy.
WhatsApp has always been known for its use of end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and recipient of a message can see its contents. However, last year the platform came under fire after an update to its terms of service. Many users were concerned about a section of WhatsApp's privacy policy that detailed what is shared with parent company Facebook. Given Facebook's troubled reputation when it comes to protecting user data, this was a valid concern.
With these new privacy updates, WhatsApp is sending a clear message that it is committed to protecting its users' data. This is a welcome change and one that will no doubt be appreciated by its many users.