Last year, reports emerged that the Facebook-owned messaging giant WhatsApp was testing disappearing, or self-destructing messages for Group Chats just like Snapchat. The platform’s sister app, Facebook Messenger, has had the functionality for some time within its so-called “secret conversations,”, meaning they’re end-to-end encrypted.
Now, according WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is stepping up plans to launch the functionality some time soon. As GSMArena explains, “in two beta versions of the app, the option to set self-destructing messages in private chats can be found. The app versions are 2.20.83 and 2.20.84 and you can choose the expiry period of the messages between one hour, one day, one week, one month or one year.”
With a timer set, users can see a clock icon which warns them that the message will disappear, providing an indication of how long remains. There is no confirmation as to the timing of the launch of the new functionality, or whether other security protections such as reporting screenshots or preventing text-copying will be added as part of this shift to more secure endpoint functionality.
WhatsApp does not compete with Messenger, they are from the same stable after all. But it does compete with Signal, which is getting more traction in the market and has recently confirmed its plans to become more “mainstream.” Ironically, Signal’s shift into WhatsApp territory has been helped by an investment from departed WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton.
It has been a difficult 12-months for WhatsApp on the security front. The platform that has done more to promote end-to-end security for the masses than anyone else has been hit with reports of nation-state attacks, malicious media files and the risk of a backdoor to lock out targeted individuals out. It looks like WhatsApp has become a victim of its own success.
