In a bid to bolster user privacy, WhatsApp is set to unveil a new feature that allows users to send voice messages that disappear after they’ve been heard.
This new feature, similar to the “view once” feature for photos and videos launched in 2021, aims to heighten privacy controls within the app.
This innovation is designed for sharing sensitive information through voice messages, providing users with a heightened sense of security.
The “one-time” icon will indicate view once audio messages, ensuring they can only be played once.
To send a view once audio message, users will need to access an individual or group chat, tap the microphone, swipe up to lock the recording, hold the record button, and then select the “view once” icon.
For privacy and control, view once media, including photos, videos, and now audio messages, must be opened within 14 days, or they will expire from the chat.
Moreover, these messages cannot be forwarded, saved, or starred.
While unopened view once media and voice messages can be restored from backups, it’s important to note that once these messages are opened, they won’t be included in backups and cannot be restored.
Additionally, screenshots of received view once media are not allowed.
The rollout of view once audio messages will be gradual, with WhatsApp planning a global launch over the next few days.
