{"id":27885,"date":"2026-01-27T19:57:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T19:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/whatsapp-offers-high-security-mode-for-journalists-and-high-risk-users-third-tech-firm-to-do-so-tech-news\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T19:57:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T19:57:44","slug":"whatsapp-offers-high-security-mode-for-journalists-and-high-risk-users-third-tech-firm-to-do-so-tech-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/whatsapp-offers-high-security-mode-for-journalists-and-high-risk-users-third-tech-firm-to-do-so-tech-news\/","title":{"rendered":"WhatsApp Offers High-Security Mode For Journalists And High-Risk Users; Third Tech Firm To Do So | Tech News"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The new option, called “Strict Account Settings,” is a one-click button in WhatsApp’s settings that activates a series of defenses.<\/h2>\n
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A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed WhatsApp logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. REUTERS<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Meta\u2019s WhatsApp messaging service is offering users an advanced security mode, joining a growing number of U.S. tech firms that are letting users opt into stronger protections against hackers in exchange for a more restrictive experience.<\/p>\n

The new option, rolling out on Tuesday and called \u201cStrict Account Settings,” is a one-click button in WhatsApp\u2019s settings that activates a series of defenses.<\/p>\n

These include blocking media and attachments from unknown senders, disabling link previews \u2013 the thumbnails that appear when a URL is entered into a chat \u2013 and silencing calls from unknown contacts. All three have been identified as potential vectors for surveillance and advanced hackers.<\/p>\n

In a blog post, WhatsApp said that while all its users\u2019 conversations were protected by end-to-end encryption, \u201cwe also know that a few of our users \u2013 like journalists or public-facing figures \u2013 may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks.”<\/p>\n

Meta Platforms is the third major tech firm to offer a security boost for high-risk users.<\/p>\n

In 2022, Apple launched \u201cLockdown Mode,” which it describes as \u201can optional, extreme protection” designed for the \u201cvery few individuals” who might be targeted by advanced digital threats. Available on iPhone and macOS, the feature disables most message attachment types and link previews and includes restrictions on FaceTime calls and web browsing.<\/p>\n

Last year, Alphabet\u2019s Android began offering \u201cAdvanced Protection Mode,” for users with \u201cheightened security awareness.”<\/p>\n

Like \u201cLockdown Mode”, Alphabet\u2019s more secure option trades some functionality for enhanced security, including restricting users from downloading potentially risky apps from outside its in-house Play Store.<\/p>\n

A researcher who helps defend civil society figures from hacking said WhatsApp\u2019s announcement was \u201ca very welcome development.”<\/p>\n

The feature will help protect dissidents and activists while encouraging other tech firms to up their game, said John Scott-Railton, who works at The Citizen Lab, a research group based out of the University of Toronto.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy hope is that others follow suit,” he said.<\/p>\n

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)<\/i><\/p>\n

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Reuters<\/a>)<\/i><\/p>\n

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