Are your WhatsApp chats as private and feature-rich as you think? A recent claim by Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma has millions questioning the security of their conversations on the world’s largest messaging app. This controversy highlights the critical need for users to understand what’s really happening with their data.
We’re cutting through the noise to bring you the facts. Discover the hidden features within WhatsApp you’ve been missing and learn exactly how to use the “Advanced Chat Privacy” setting to lock down your WhatsApp chats and keep them for your eyes only.
WhatsApp Hidden Features That Most Users Don’t Know
1. Advanced Whatsapp Chat Privacy (New)
The latest and most talked-about hidden feature is Advanced Chat Privacy. If you are in a WhatsApp group, go to Group Info → Advanced Chat Privacy. By default, it is switched off, but if enabled:
Media will not be saved automatically in your device gallery.
People cannot use AI to summarise chats by mentioning @MetaAI.
The option to export the chat will be disabled.
This feature essentially limits how your chats and media can be shared outside WhatsApp.
2. Disappearing Messages
WhatsApp allows you to set messages to disappear automatically after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. This feature is great for maintaining privacy without having to manually delete chats.
3. Chat Lock with Fingerprint or Face ID
You can now lock specific chats with your fingerprint or Face ID, adding an extra layer of security. This is particularly useful for private conversations.
4. Message Editing & Deletion
Did you know you can edit messages within 15 minutes of sending them? You can also delete messages for everyone within a limited time window, saving you from embarrassing typos.
5. View Once Photos & Videos
WhatsApp lets you send photos and videos that disappear after one view, ensuring sensitive content isn’t saved or forwarded.
6. Secret Chat Search
You can search messages by date, keyword, or sender in any chat, making it easier to find old conversations.
7. Two-Step Verification
For added security, you can enable two-step verification with a 6-digit PIN. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone has your SIM card.
The AI Privacy Controversy: Can AI Read Your Whatsapp Chats?
Recently, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of Paytm, claimed on social media that WhatsApp’s much-advertised end-to-end encryption was not as secure as it appears. He warned that WhatsApp is allowing AI to “read chats” in groups and advised users to enable Advanced Chat Privacy immediately.
His post quickly went viral, with many netizens thanking him for the “heads-up.” One user wrote, “Privacy is completely Moh Maya now! Everything is open via one or another tool.” Another commented, “One can never trust Meta.”
🚨IMP If you are part of WhatsApp group. Today onwards WhatsApp is allowing ai to read chats. ‼️‼️
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) August 19, 2025
So enable this setting to block it. pic.twitter.com/VhJomO4Msd
WhatsApp’s Official Response
Following the controversy, WhatsApp issued a statement to clarify the situation. A spokesperson said:
All chats are protected by end-to-end encryption.
Meta AI can only read chats if you explicitly mention it (@MetaAI).
The use of Meta AI is optional, not automatic.
Enabling Advanced Chat Privacy simply disables certain AI features but does not make your messages more encrypted than they already are.
Popular WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo also responded, calling Sharma’s claim “inaccurate.” They explained that messages are not automatically shared with AI, and only those where Meta AI is invoked are processed.
How to Protect Your WhatsApp Chats from AI
If you are concerned about privacy, here are steps to secure your WhatsApp chats:
Enable Advanced Chat Privacy for every group you are part of.
Avoid invoking @MetaAI if you don’t want AI to process your messages.
Turn on two-step verification for stronger account protection.
Lock sensitive chats with fingerprint/Face ID.
Use disappearing messages for private conversations.
Regularly clear chat backups on Google Drive or iCloud if you don’t want your data stored.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp continues to roll out new features that enhance both functionality and privacy, but the recent debate highlights how sensitive users are about AI integration in messaging apps. While WhatsApp insists that end-to-end encryption remains intact, enabling Advanced Chat Privacy is a wise move for those who value complete control over their data.
As digital privacy becomes more complex, one thing is clear: users must stay informed and take proactive steps to protect their chats.
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