WhatsApp launches “Strict Account Settings” for high-risk users, adding advanced protections against hackers while limiting some functionality.
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| WhatsApp joins a trend of tech firms providing extreme security options for high-risk users, trading convenience for enhanced protection. Image: CH |
Tech Desk — January 28, 2026:
Meta’s WhatsApp is giving users a new tool to protect themselves from sophisticated cyber threats with the launch of “Strict Account Settings,” an optional, one-click security mode that reinforces protections for high-risk individuals. Rolling out Tuesday, the feature blocks media and attachments from unknown senders, disables link previews, and silences calls from unknown contacts—three vectors often exploited by hackers or surveillance actors.
While all WhatsApp conversations are already secured with end-to-end encryption, the new mode recognizes that some users—including journalists, activists, and public-facing figures—face elevated digital risks. By offering granular control, WhatsApp is acknowledging that conventional protections may not be sufficient for those most likely to be targeted.
The move positions WhatsApp alongside Apple’s 2022 “Lockdown Mode” and Alphabet’s “Advanced Protection Mode” on Android, which similarly trade convenience for extreme safeguards. These options reflect a broader shift in the tech industry: cybersecurity is increasingly stratified, offering standard protections for general users while enabling “high-assurance” modes for individuals facing exceptional risks.
Experts have welcomed WhatsApp’s update. John Scott-Railton of the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab noted that the feature could significantly improve security for dissidents, activists, and journalists while encouraging other tech companies to strengthen protections. He described the development as “a very welcome step” that sets a precedent for high-security options across digital platforms.
The introduction of Strict Account Settings highlights the growing tension between functionality and safety. By limiting certain conveniences—such as viewing link previews or receiving calls from unknown contacts—WhatsApp signals that protecting users from targeted threats sometimes requires trade-offs. For Meta, the rollout also demonstrates an evolving corporate responsibility: providing advanced security options is no longer optional for platforms that host vulnerable populations in a digitally connected world.
As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated and targeted, WhatsApp’s initiative illustrates a clear trend: high-security modes are becoming a standard expectation for users who face serious digital threats. By offering extreme safeguards, WhatsApp reinforces the idea that privacy and safety can be prioritized without compromising the core messaging experience for the wider user base.