WhatsApp has rolled out a new “Advanced Chat Privacy” feature, providing users with enhanced control over their conversations. This optional setting prevents chat participants from exporting conversations, auto-downloading media, and using messages for AI features.

“This new setting available in both chats and groups helps prevent others from taking content outside of WhatsApp for when you may want extra privacy,” WhatsApp explained in their announcement.

The company recommends using this feature particularly for sensitive conversations in groups where users may not know all participants well. While the feature blocks several sharing methods, users can still take screenshots or manually download media. The update is available to all users on the latest version of the application.

Meanwhile, Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has been fined €200 million ($227 million) by the European Commission for violating the Digital Markets Act. The Commission ruled that Meta’s “pay or consent” model illegally forced users to choose between paying for services or consenting to data collection without offering an equivalent alternative with less data processing.

“Meta’s model did not allow users to exercise their right to freely consent to the combination of their personal data,” the Commission stated.

The fine covers violations from March to November 2024, with potential additional penalties if Meta’s revised November 2024 model is also found non-compliant. Meta has criticized the decision, claiming it unfairly targets American businesses while allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under different standards.