WhatsApp has successfully toppled many messaging apps to emerge as one of the most popular used service across the world. However, in the last week or so, the messaging platform has been the recipient of heavy criticism due to its updated privacy policy, which it has mandated all users to agree to. Due to this lack of option and the removal of the points indicating user discretion in the sharing of data with parent company Facebook, people have been giving a tough time to the messaging platform, with some even switching to alternative platforms. In the meantime, there are really important WhatsApp privacy settings that you must know in order to keep your chats and information safe.
Enable WhatsApp's two-factor authentication
The two-step verification is optional on WhatsApp, but ideally, the user should secure their WhatsApp account with this feature. Once the two-step verification is enabled, any attempt to verify the phone number on WhatsApp will require a six-digit passcode that is created by the user. To enable the two-step verification setting, go to WhatsApp Settings and Tap on Account. Under that, you will find Two-Step Verification option. Tap on it and insert your 6-digit PIN code to enable the setting.
Face ID/ Touch ID fingerprint lock on WhatsApp
An important privacy feature to give your chats an extra layer of protection is the Face ID or the Touch ID. WhatsApp, last year, had added a fingerprint lock feature for its Android and iOS users. The feature supports both touch and face scanners. To enable it on WhatsApp, go to Settings> Account> Privacy> Fingerprint lock. If you enable WhatsApp’s “Fingerprint Lock" feature, then it will ask you to authenticate your fingerprint or face ID stored in the OS. WhatsApp Touch ID and Face ID will work in exactly the same manner as the inbuilt biometrics of your phone operates. The way your phone gets locked after a few minutes, in an identical way, your WhatsApp will also be locked which can then be unlocked either by your fingerprint scanner or Face ID.
WhatsApp Read Receipts Feature
WhatsApp launched the Read Receipt feature in 2014. It basically informs the users that their message has been read by the recipient. Since nobody today wants the other party to have an idea that he or she is available 24x7 on the chat app, many people have their Read Receipts turned off. The feature is present under the Privacy option and works for texts and videos.