WhatsApp Unveils Self-Destructing Voice Notes for Added Privacy

In a revising move towards enhancing user privacy, WhatsApp has introduced the feature of self-destructing voice notes in the beta versions of its mobile apps, as reported by WABetaInfo.

The new functionality has initially been put into operation for users of WhatsApp beta versions for Android 2.23.21.15 and 2.23.22.4, along with the beta version for iOS 23.21.1.73. The feature will gradually be made accessible to an expanding amount of beta testers in the near future.

Utilizing the "View Once" feature, users can send voice notes that self-destruct after a single playback by the recipient. The feature is identifiable by the "View Once" 1-button icon that appears next to the waveform when you send single-view images and videos. Once the button is activated, voice notes sent cannot be replayed, with forwarding, saving, exporting or recording of the voice note disallowed.

Interestingly, even the sender lacks the capability to replay the voice note. The functionality enhances WhatsApp by creating a platform akin to delayed walkie-talkie communication, with the beneficiary having the discretion as to when they want to listen to the message.

The self-destructing voice notes feature aims to imbue an added layer of privacy to the popular chat app. Consequently, this makes it increasingly difficult for malicious parties or phone thieves to access voice notes that may contain sensitive personal information.

There remains uncertainty over when this new feature will be available to the general WhatsApp users. However, as per the app's traditional modus operandi of releasing new features, it can be expected that these self-destructing voice notes will be officially rolled out following a few weeks of testing.

Images below provided by WABetaInfo illustrate how recording a voice note with the "View Once" button will appear in the WhatsApp beta mobile apps.