what you need to know
- WhatsApp on Android has introduced a new end-to-end encryption indicator under the contact and group names in the chat screen.
- The encryption indicator briefly appears where the “last seen” details would normally appear.
- The feature is currently available to a select group of beta testers, with plans to roll out to a wider audience in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp is trialling a new beta feature to ensure users are confident their chats are safe from prying eyes.
WhatsApp for Android now introduces a new end-to-end encryption indicator under the contact and group names in the conversation screen, WABetaInfo reports. Users will see a small message in the chat window indicating that end-to-end encryption has been activated.
Currently, this feature is only available to a select group of beta testers. The good news, however, is that according to reports, more users will be taking advantage of it in the coming weeks. WABetaInfo first noticed this feature in January.
You’ll see this indicator where you usually find last seen Details of other users, but only in the short term. This tweak makes it easy for users to discover which chats are locked with end-to-end encryption, ensuring their messages are viewable only by them.
Once that brief moment is over, the indicator will eventually disappear, allowing the last indicator to appear to take its place.
Currently, when you chat with someone on WhatsApp for the first time, you get a welcome message that says “Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted.” That is, this message will only pop up when you start chatting with this person.
Displaying some status below your contact’s name to inform you about your new way of encrypted chat is a smart move to spread the word about encryption.
WhatsApp has been offering end-to-end encryption for chats and video calls for some time. Additionally, chat apps have been steadily increasing the visibility of crypto metrics. Notably, in addition to chats and video or voice calls, even status updates on the platform are end-to-end encrypted.
This recent tweak will undoubtedly come in handy for newcomers to the Meta-owned messaging app, especially those who may be unsure of its encryption standards.