In Mark Zuckerberg’s message to users, WhatsApp will announce major changes to its app in August

The update, rolling out in August, will let users leave group chats without notifying others and control who can see their online status.

Users can also block taking screenshots of View Once messages that are designed to disappear after opening.

According to WhatsApp, the screenshot blocking tool is currently being tested and will be released to users soon.

Mark Zuckerberg sends a message to WhatsApp users

of metaThe messaging platform owned by Facebook said the new features are aimed at continuing to improve privacy around online conversations.

Some campaigners have expressed concerns about the end-to-end encryption used in whats up and several other platforms for securing conversations claim criminals can evade detection.

However, in a post announcing the WhatsApp update, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said:

WhatsApp is ‘the safest place to have private conversations’

WhatsApp’s head of product, Ami Vora, said the platform is focused on building features that “give people more control over their messages and protect their privacy.”

“Over the years, we’ve added layers of protection that work together to keep our conversations safe. The new feature is one way we continue to deliver on our commitment to keeping your messages private. is,” she said.

“No global messaging service of this scale offers this level of security for your messages, media, voice messages, video calls, and chat backups.

“We believe WhatsApp is the safest place to have private conversations. We will also launch a global campaign to educate people on how we are working to protect them.”