The WhatsApp messenger, owned by Meta, has launched a new feature titled "Strict Account Settings" aimed at elevating user security to the highest possible level.
Operative Information Center-OMM, citing TechCrunch, reports that this option, which will be activated in the coming weeks, is of particular importance for journalists, activists, and public figures who may face higher digital risks.
When the new mode is activated, the messenger triggers several robust protection mechanisms:
- Media files and attachments from unknown senders are automatically blocked;
- Calls from unrecognized numbers are silenced;
- Link preview functions are deactivated to prevent tracking;
- Spam protection systems for bulk messaging are significantly strengthened.
Additionally, this mode automatically enables two-factor authentication and restricts profile information—including last seen status, profile photo, and "about" info—making it completely invisible to outsiders. To activate the feature, users must navigate to "Settings" – "Privacy" – "Advanced." It should be noted that these settings are currently only available on the smartphone application and are not accessible via the WhatsApp web or desktop versions.
The announcement of this new security feature comes just days after a lawsuit was filed against Meta. The plaintiffs accuse the company of providing misleading information regarding messenger security and allegedly gaining unauthorized access to user correspondence. WhatsApp head Will Cathcart has dismissed these allegations as baseless, stating they are intended solely to create sensationalist headlines.
As digital privacy becomes a central concern for users in Azerbaijan and globally, such updates reflect a broader industry trend toward end-to-end encryption and proactive threat mitigation. Meta continues to face scrutiny from international regulators over data handling, making the implementation of user-controlled security tiers a strategic move to maintain trust in its communication platforms.
