WhatsApp’s New Video Messaging Feature Raises Concerns About User Privacy

One of the best features to have ever come to WhatsApp is its ability to quickly send voice messages, without typing and so, what’s next? Well, obviously, its video messages.

Meta has just announced that it will be introducing instant video messaging in the upcoming update. To send a video message, users will simply tap on the microphone icon in the chat bar and then hold down the button to start recording. Once the video is finished, users can release the button to send it. Video messages will be sent end-to-end encrypted, just like regular messages, so only the intended recipient can view them.

Keep in mind that there’s a time limit of 60 seconds, which is there for making sure that the messages remain concise and focused.

For the receiving end, viewing video messages is just as effortless. When they open the chat containing the video message, the video will automatically play on mute. The recipients will have complete control over when and where they want to listen to the video message without being caught off guard by unexpected audio, or video at a place where they simply didn’t want to watch the video.

The obvious benefit of this is the time-saving aspect. Messaging via video can, at times, be more efficient than typing out a lengthy text message or even a voice recording. In addition to this, it will help users declutter their phone galleries.

In the past, sending multiple images or videos would often lead to storage issues, making it cumbersome to locate specific files. With video messages being exclusively saved within WhatsApp and not directly to the phone’s gallery, users can have a cleaner storage space while also easily accessing important messages when needed.

But, the question here arises: “what about the security aspect?”

Privacy Concerns, the Dark Side of Meta

Well, Meta does not have a really good reputation in the public when it comes to data privacy, and in the past, due to the voice recording feature being made a baseline, we’ve seen people’s phones constantly using the mic even when not in use.

This issue was raised on forums like Reddit, but there was no official response to this. With the introduction of voice messaging, it will lead to even more privacy concerns considering how WhatsApp is deeply integrated into or lives (and Meta knows that), and how while recording the messages (or probably even when not), the app will constantly be accessing both your cameras.

It’s just important to be aware from this point of view too. This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.