WhatsApp already protects users’ chats with end-to-end encryption, which means that messages can only be read by the sender and receiver. However, the company says that some users face more serious threats, including hacking attempts and spyware attacks. Therefore, it has released Strict Account Settings as part of a new safety feature, meant to give a certain class of users extra protection without requiring them to manually change many settings one by one.
This feature is mainly designed for people who may be at higher risk of cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, and public figures. With just one setting, users can turn on the strongest privacy and security options available on WhatsApp.
What changes does Strict Account Settings enable?
When this mode is turned on, WhatsApp automatically applies the most secure privacy settings to your account. This helps reduce unwanted contact and limits how strangers can interact with you.
Some of the key changes include:
-Messages, media, and attachments from unknown numbers are blocked
-Calls from people not in your contacts are automatically silenced
-Link previews are disabled to avoid harmful or suspicious links
-Only approved contacts can add you to groups
-Profile details like profile photo, About, Last Seen, and Online status are hidden
-Two-step verification is enabled for extra account security
-You receive alerts if your account’s security settings change
These steps make it harder for attackers to reach or trick users through WhatsApp. Although these settings, when turned on, may reduce convenience for some people, WhatsApp says the goal is to offer maximum safety for those who need it most.
How to enable WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings?
WhatsApp will start rolling out these features worldwide over the next few weeks. Once available, users can turn it on by going to Settings, then Privacy, and selecting Advanced Settings. From there, Strict Account Settings can be enabled with a single tap.
It is important to note that this setting can only be changed from your main phone. It will not appear on WhatsApp Web or desktop versions.
With this Strict Account Settings update, Meta joins other tech companies that offer high-security modes, such as Apple’s Lockdown Mode and Google’s Advanced Protection. The move shows that Meta is focusing more on user safety and privacy, especially as online threats like scams continue to grow. This comes at a time when WhatsApp is facing controversial claims of breaching user privacy despite enabling end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp has reassured that these claims are false and the user messages can’t be accessed by anyone.
