WhatsApp to roll out game-changing ‘Advanced Chat Protection’ in security overhaul

WhatsApp is cooking up a major upgrade that could be a game-changer for user privacy — a brand-new Advanced Chat Protection feature aimed at tightening security and giving users more control over their shared content.

According to a report from WABetaInfo, the new feature is still in its early development phase but could soon stop the auto-saving of media on recipients' devices when the sender has enabled the protection setting.

So, if you send someone a photo or video with this feature turned on, they won’t be able to automatically save it to their phone gallery. It's a big win for privacy, especially in an age of oversharing — though the file can still be forwarded, and it’s unclear whether WhatsApp will include screenshot detection similar to Snapchat.

While this doesn’t make media completely bulletproof, it’s definitely a step forward in giving users more say in how their content is handled.

But that’s not all WhatsApp is working on.

Also in the pipeline:

A new calling interface that lets you mute calls directly from the notification screen and disable your video feed before answering — perfect for dodging awkward moments mid-bedhead.

Emoji reactions during video calls, allowing you to express yourself in real time without cutting the other person off.

Currently, the revamped call interface is available for Android beta testers, but the Advanced Chat Protection is still under wraps — with no official release date confirmed yet.

Still, it’s clear WhatsApp isn’t slowing down when it comes to beefing up security and streamlining the user experience.