In the News
Can a message sent no longer leave a permanent trace? In WhatsApp is testing a self-destructing messages feature, Manish Singh at TechCrunch discusses the possibility of a new WhatsApp setting allowing users to set a life-span for their messages, which once expired, will delete their selected messages. Singh explains that this ability, similar to one on Telegram, is designed for maintaining the privacy of sensitive information shared on the platform. The time window for the proposed feature is five seconds to one hour after a message is sent.
Our Take
Social media and messaging platforms have been able to connect the world through instant communication on a scale that has wholly altered daily life. Communication with friends or family in another country on a daily basis is now possible because of these features. Given this ease of communication and global access, these platforms have become the sharing ground for highly personal information. While it is always best to share sensitive information I person, that is not always possible when the people in communication live thousands of miles apart. A self-destructing feature on WhatsApp could potentially help maintain the privacy of certain shared information. However, even though a message is permanently deleted, a screenshot or copy of the message may be stored on the receiving end. To best protect your information, only share sensitive information with those you trust most and only when you have no other option.
Recommendations
How can you protect the privacy of your personal information while using messaging platforms?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Enable privacy settings and encryption on your apps, accounts, and devices to secure the privacy of your information
- Refrain from sharing highly sensitive information over messaging apps and social media and opt to instead share information in person or over a secure line whenever possible