WhatsApp has significantly enhanced user privacy and account protection in early 2026. The popular messaging platform introduced new "Strict Account Settings" and expanded passkey support for chat backups. These updates aim to give users more control over their security and strengthen defenses against sophisticated cyberattacks. The new features are rolling out globally over the coming weeks.[financialexpress+2]
Strict Account Settings Unveiled
Meta-owned WhatsApp launched its "Strict Account Settings" to protect users from advanced cyber threats. This feature is especially useful for individuals at higher risk, like journalists, public figures, and activists.It acts as a "lockdown-style" mode, setting privacy options to their most restrictive levels with a single tap.[gulfnews+9]
When users enable Strict Account Settings, WhatsApp automatically blocks media and attachments from unknown senders.It also silences calls from numbers not in a user's contacts.The feature disables link previews, which can sometimes reveal metadata or lead to malicious sites.[gulfnews+13]
Furthermore, Strict Account Settings limits who can add a user to group chats.It restricts "last seen" status and other profile details to only known contacts.This helps users maintain a lower profile to potential attackers. The setting also turns on notifications for security code changes.[gulfnews+5]
WhatsApp designed this feature to simplify security without requiring users to manually adjust many settings.Users can enable it by going to Settings, then Privacy, and selecting Advanced Settings.This option is only available on the main phone and not on WhatsApp Web or desktop versions.[financialexpress+10]
This new security mode is similar to features found on other major platforms. Apple introduced "Lockdown Mode" in 2022, and Google's Android launched its "Advanced Protection Mode" in 2025.These industry trends show a move towards offering stronger, optional defense tools for users facing targeted threats.[gulfnews+5]
Passkeys Boost Backup Protection
WhatsApp also enhanced its security by rolling out passkey-encrypted chat backups. This new option allows users to protect their stored messages using biometric authentication.Users can now use their face, fingerprint, or device screen lock instead of a complex 64-digit key.[macrumors+4]
This update makes chat backups both more secure and much easier to restore.The private cryptographic key for these passkeys never leaves the user's phone.This change builds on Meta's earlier adoption of passkeys for WhatsApp account logins, which began in 2023.[macrumors+3]
The company states that many users carry years of memories in their WhatsApp chats. Protecting these conversations is important if a phone is lost or when transferring to a new device.Passkey-encrypted backups address this need, simplifying a process that previously required memorizing a long key.Users can enable this feature through Settings → Chats → Chat backup → End-to-end encrypted backup.[techbuzz+2]
Broader Privacy and Security Push
Beyond these user-facing features, WhatsApp also works on security behind the scenes. The company is adopting the Rust programming language in its media sharing functionality. This technical change helps keep photos, videos, and messages safe from spyware attacks and other exploits. Meta describes this as the "largest rollout globally of any library written in Rust."[thehackernews+5]
WhatsApp continuously builds more layers of security, even though it already provides default end-to-end encryption for all personal messages and calls. The platform's goal is for everyone to have private conversations online, just like they would in person.[thehackernews+6]
Other significant changes are also coming to WhatsApp in 2026. These include privacy features that will allow users to use the application without revealing their phone numbers. WhatsApp also plans to integrate Meta's artificial intelligence and improve calling features. The platform will update its status and channel tools, introduce new emojis, and redesign the chat interface.[blog+4]
However, some older phones will lose compatibility with WhatsApp starting January 1, 2026. This move requires users to update their devices to continue using the service, ensuring they have modern operating system versions that support the latest security improvements. Also,ChatGPT will no longer be available on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026, as Meta banned third-party AI solutions.[informat+2]
These comprehensive updates underscore WhatsApp's ongoing commitment to user privacy and security. The company continues to evolve its defenses against an increasingly complex threat landscape. These changes offer users greater peace of mind in their digital communications.[informat]
