WhatsApp Introduces “After Reading” Feature for Better Privacy

• WhatsApp is developing a new privacy feature called “After Reading.” The new feature provides better security for messages which reduces the need for users to delete their messages manually.
• The feature operates according to a single fundamental principle. The timer initiates 15 minutes after the recipient reads the message. The timer ends, which results in the message vanishing from both the sender and receiver's chat history.
• The system retains the message for 24 hours when the recipient fails to open it. The message deletes itself automatically after that period.

Benefits for Sensitive Information

This feature helps users who share private or sensitive data through chat. The feature decreases the chances that information will remain visible for an extended period.

Examples of such data include:

• One-Time Passwords (OTPs)
• Bank or app passwords
• Address or location details
• Verification codes

The feature helps organizations better protect their data because it enables them to delete messages immediately after users read them.

Functionality Without Read Receipts

• Read Receipts (Blue Ticks) usually show when a message has been read. Many users turn off this feature because they want to maintain their privacy.
• The new “After Reading” feature runs without dependency on this particular configuration. The system will still detect when a message is opened and start the timer, even if blue ticks are turned off.

Difference from Disappearing Messages

Disappearing Messages already allows users to delete messages automatically after a fixed time.

The two systems differ because of these main points.

• Disappearing Messages delete content after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days
• The system deletes messages regardless of their reading status
• “After Reading” deletes messages 15 minutes after they are opened

The new feature enables users to secure their messages within the first moments after they read their content.

Availability Status

The “After Reading” feature is still under development. An official release date is not confirmed yet. It may take some time before it becomes available to all users.