WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app, has introduced a new feature called “Keep in Chat” that allows users to save specific messages from disappearing. This is in response to concerns that important messages could be lost with the app’s disappearing messages feature, which automatically deletes messages after a specified time.
The Keep in Chat feature gives users the ability to save specific messages by long pressing on them and selecting the option to keep them. The sender of the message will receive a notification and have the option to veto the decision. If the sender allows the message to be saved, it will receive a small bookmark icon and will be added to a “Kept Messages” folder. If the sender disagrees, the message will be deleted from everyone’s devices when the normal timer expires.
The new feature is intended to give users more control over their conversations and the messages they send, ensuring that important information is not lost. This is particularly important for users who use the app for work or other important communications.
WhatsApp has faced criticism in the past over its privacy and security features, including concerns over end-to-end encryption. However, the company has maintained that its features are intended to protect users’ privacy and ensure that messages do not fall into the wrong hands. The Keep in Chat feature is another step towards enhancing user privacy and security.
The new feature will be rolled out globally over the next few weeks, and users will need to update their WhatsApp app to the latest version to use it. The Keep in Chat feature is the latest addition to WhatsApp’s suite of privacy and security features, which includes two-step verification, biometric authentication, and message forwarding limits.
While the new feature may seem to undercut the entire point of disappearing messages, WhatsApp suggests that there may be times when users need to save specific messages that include important details, such as a voice note or someone’s address. The option for senders to veto saved messages also helps to protect their privacy.
In conclusion, the Keep in Chat feature is a welcome addition to WhatsApp’s suite of features, giving users more control over their conversations and the messages they send. It is another step towards enhancing user privacy and security, and it is likely to be popular with users who use the app for work or other important communications.
