WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new privacy feature that could automatically delete messages shortly after they are read. Dubbed “After reading,” the feature was spotted in the latest Android beta by WABetaInfo. It is expected to give users greater control over conversations, offering a quicker and more secure way to share sensitive information.
The feature was spotted in the latest Android beta version 2.26.12.2 by WABetaInfo and is currently under development, meaning it is not yet available to beta testers. The tool is designed to give users more control over their conversations, particularly when sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, passwords, addresses, or verification codes.
The feature is expected to work by starting a 15-minute countdown once a recipient opens a message, after which it will be removed from both the sender’s and receiver’s chats. If the message remains unopened, it may automatically expire after 24 hours.
Unlike existing disappearing messages, which offer timers of 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days, the new option aims to provide much faster message removal. It is also expected to function independently of read receipts, meaning messages will be deleted once opened even if blue ticks are turned off.
The feature builds on WhatsApp’s existing privacy tools, including the “View Once” option for photos and videos. While the company is still refining how the timer and deletion system will work, the “After reading” feature could significantly enhance privacy by ensuring sensitive messages do not remain in chat history for long.
