WhatsApp Rolls Out Strict Account Settings for High-Risk Users

WhatsApp is rolling out a new lockdown-style feature called Strict Account Settings, designed for users who face particularly sophisticated cyber threats. The rollout will happen gradually over the coming weeks, with onboarding users in a one-click toggle in the app’s settings.

When activated, Strict Account Settings locks several account features to the most restrictive level. It automatically blocks media and attachments from unknown senders, disables link previews that appear when a link is shared, and silences calls from numbers not in the user’s contacts. These steps are aimed at reducing vectors that attackers commonly exploit in targeted intrusions.

Despite these protective measures, WhatsApp emphasizes that default end-to-end encryption remains in place. The feature is an opt-in safeguard for high-risk scenarios, not a blanket change to everyday privacy. The company notes that some users—such as journalists or public-facing figures—may need extreme safeguards against rare, highly sophisticated cyber attacks, and Strict Account Settings addresses that need without compromising the app’s core privacy protections.

This move positions WhatsApp as the third major U.S. tech company to offer enhanced security options for high-risk users, following similar initiatives from other platforms. The option is accessed via Settings > Privacy > Advanced, and is described as one of several approaches to defending users from evolving cyber threats. The company also signals that the feature may alter some typical WhatsApp interactions, highlighting the balance between security and usability.

For now, users can choose to enable or disable the feature as needed, reflecting an ongoing broader push to empower individuals with flexible, stronger protection in a digital landscape where privacy and safety are increasingly pressured by sophisticated attackers.

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