A new “Strict Account Settings” toggle has been introduced by WhatsApp, expanding its privacy initiatives beyond standard end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp recently launched a new feature designed to combat sophisticated cyberattacks, particularly those involving spyware. This “lockdown-style” setting is comparable to similar protections offered by other technology companies.
The “Strict Account Settings” feature is scheduled for release in the coming weeks. When activated, it will enable users to restrict certain functions, such as preventing attachments and media from individuals not saved in their contact list.
In a blog post, WhatsApp stated its commitment to defending user privacy, beginning with default end-to-end encryption. The company acknowledged that some users, such as journalists or public figures, might require enhanced safeguards against highly sophisticated and rare cyberattacks.
WhatsApp has been involved in a legal dispute with NSO Group since 2019, following the alleged installation of the company’s Pegasus spyware on approximately 1,400 WhatsApp user accounts. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has achieved some legal successes in this ongoing case.
Natalia Krapiva, senior tech legal counsel at Access Now, a digital civil rights organization, described the new WhatsApp feature as an “excellent addition” to existing protections. These include Apple’s Lockdown Mode and Memory Integrity Enforcement, along with Google’s Advanced Protection.
Krapiva expressed encouragement regarding the increasing number of companies implementing advanced security features to safeguard high-risk users from spyware. She noted that while litigation is a crucial method for combating spyware, its high costs and jurisdictional challenges often make it inaccessible to many victims.
She further explained that introducing free, user-friendly measures like this could significantly help prevent spyware-related harm for millions of users, particularly journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
This feature can be activated by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Advanced within the application.
