In its continuous efforts to bolster user privacy, Meta-owned WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature called “Secret Code,” designed to provide an additional layer of protection for sensitive conversations on the messaging platform. This comes as a strategic move to enhance the security of user data, especially in scenarios where individuals share their phones or face potential unauthorized access.
The Secret Code feature builds upon a previously introduced function known as “Chat Lock“, which was announced in May. With Chat Lock, users can relocate specific chats to a dedicated folder accessible only by providing the device password or biometrics. Now, with the introduction of Secret Code, users can set a custom password unique to these locked chats, distinct from the phone’s unlocking credentials. This innovative approach aims to fortify the confidentiality of conversations and offer users heightened privacy control.
WhatsApp emphasizes that the Secret Code is an additional measure to make protected chats even more challenging to discover. Users have the option to conceal the “Locked Chats” folder from their main chat list, making it accessible only by entering the secret code in the search bar. This added layer of complexity ensures that only authorized individuals can access the protected conversations, further safeguarding sensitive information.
The Secret Code feature arrives on the heels of another recent enhancement by WhatsApp – the “Protect IP Address in Calls” feature. This functionality masks users’ IP addresses during calls by relaying them through WhatsApp’s servers. By doing so, the platform adds an extra element of security, preventing the exposure of users’ IP addresses to other parties.
However, amidst these privacy-focused developments, there are contrasting perspectives from various governments. Notably, the French government has urged its officials to refrain from using popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. Instead, they are encouraged to opt for domestically developed alternatives such as Tchap and Olvid. The government expressed concerns about the security vulnerabilities of these widely-used apps, claiming that they may not ensure the safety of conversations and shared information.
In response to the French government’s stance, Signal’s President, Meredith Whittaker, and WhatsApp’s Head, Will Cathcart, contested the decision. Whittaker noted that the claim lacked evidence and could be dangerously misleading, particularly when coming from a government source.
As WhatsApp continues to roll out privacy-centric features, the debate over the security of widely-used messaging platforms versus domestically developed alternatives is likely to persist. The Secret Code feature represents a significant step in providing users with more control over the privacy of their conversations, aligning with the growing importance of digital security in an interconnected world.