WhatsApp rolls out Restricted Chat to beta testers

WhatsApp is rolling out an optional Restricted Chat setting to selected beta testers, giving users the ability to block a conversation from linked devices and limit several ways its contents can be handled. The feature must be enabled manually for each conversation and is off by default. When switched on, a restricted conversation is available only on the primary phone, not on linked devices such as computers or tablets. The setting also prevents shared media from being automatically saved to a phone’s gallery, disables chat export and turns off Meta AI functions in that conversation. WhatsApp displays a system message in the chat telling participants that messages can be sent and received only on the primary device. Reports describe the option as available to some users in WhatsApp’s Android beta program. Accounts cite different Android beta builds, so the precise version and breadth of the rollout are not settled. One report also says the feature is reaching some iOS beta users, citing a separate iOS build. WhatsApp has not established a date for general availability, and access may vary among beta testers.