WhatsApp is the most popular instant messenger available as of now.
It is easy to use and features a ton of options for individuals and businesses.
When it comes to security and privacy, though, WhatsApp has been under fire for various reasons.
Ankush Das
Why Do We Need More Features in WhatsApp?
One would argue that WhatsApp already offers all the essential privacy-centric features; why do we need more?
In some cases, users even rely on WhatsApp to receive payments or banking services.
So, the scope of its usage and risk associated is more than ever.
A few of these points are our own suggestions.
No Phone Number Required for Registration
Most of the messaging services require you to register using your phone number.
If you trust the messaging service with your phone number, that is your personal preference.
But, what if you could use a messaging service without needing your phone number?
In fact, a few messaging services have already demonstrated this feature.
Secure messaging services likeThreemaandSessionare two privacy-focused options that let you do this.
It is certainly not an easy implementation.
Self-Destructing Messages
WhatsApp is experimenting with some form of messages that can be seen once and destroyed.
However, you cannot send messages that self-destruct after a certain time in a conversation/group.
Considering many secure messaging services offer this feature, WhatsApp can use the addition as well.
However, you do not have the ability to hide your profile picture from a specific individual.
Removing Image Metadata
Almost everyone shares photos using WhatsApp.
However, when sharing a photo, your metadata remains along with the photo.
Information such as location, camera sensor, and more remain intact.
Related:How to View, Edit, and Add Metadata to Images
6.
In either case, it can be useful to hide important details in your images as well.
As mentioned previously, images already contain many precious data points.
So, the less we give away, the better for privacy.
While WhatsApp already disables URLs sent by unknown users, the text message gets through with any images included.
However, it is not the ultimate solution to take control of your privacy.
To outshine other secure messengers, WhatsApp would need to add these features at the very least.
