WhatsApp's Restricted Chat feature is now rolling out to beta users on Android and iOS. The optional upgrade to Advanced Chat Privacy allows users to enable restrictions manually per conversation. Available on Android beta version 2.26.36.4 and iOS beta version 26.39.10.20, Restricted Chat applies four limitations once enabled: participants cannot automatically save media, export the chat, use Meta AI features, or use linked devices.
The restriction applies specifically to conversations where the user manually turns the feature on via the chat info screen. WhatsApp states these measures help prevent the use of unofficial clients or AI agents to access the chat. All messages and calls remain protected with end-to-end encryption regardless of the setting.
Public rollout timing has not been announced, requiring interested users to enroll in the beta program to test the functionality.
Source: GSMArena · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing