The upcoming privacy feature aims to enhance message security by deleting chats shortly after they are opened. Designed for sensitive information, it could offer users tighter control beyond existing disappearing message options.
WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new privacy-focused feature that could significantly tighten control over disappearing messages. The feature, dubbed “After Reading,” is expected to automatically delete messages shortly after they are opened, offering an added layer of protection for sensitive conversations.
The update was first spotted in a beta version of the app by WABetaInfo, indicating that the feature is currently under development and may be introduced in a future release.
A step beyond existing disappearing messages
At present, WhatsApp allows users to enable disappearing messages with preset durations of 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days. While these options suit routine conversations, they may not be ideal for sharing time-sensitive or confidential details such as verification codes or one-time passwords.
The proposed “After Reading” feature is designed to address this gap. Once a message is opened, a short countdown is expected to begin, ensuring that the content is erased quickly from both the sender’s and recipient’s chats. Reports suggest that the deletion timer could be set to around 15 minutes after the message is viewed.
If a message remains unread, it may stay in the chat for up to 24 hours before automatically disappearing, ensuring that it does not linger indefinitely.
How the feature is expected to work
The new timer is likely to function independently of read receipts, meaning messages could still self-destruct even if blue ticks are turned off. This ensures that the sender’s privacy remains intact while maintaining the integrity of the feature.
Although WhatsApp already offers a “View Once” option for photos, videos, and voice notes, the “After Reading” feature would extend similar functionality to text messages, marking a notable expansion of its privacy toolkit.
Users may also be given the flexibility to enable the feature for specific chats or across all conversations, depending on their preferences.
The feature has been identified in a recent Android beta build but is not yet available for public testing. Its final rollout timeline remains unclear, as the platform continues to refine its performance and reliability before a wider release.
