WhatsApp users can now leave group chats in secret and block screenshots
It's all part of a new security update
Last updated 12th Aug 2022
Are you part of annoying group chats on WhatsApp and don't want to leave due to the embarrassment or awkwardness it would create? If the answer is yes, we have great news for you!
In a brand new update set to be rolled out in the coming months, WhatsApp will allow users to silently leave group chats without all group members being notified. The only person to receive a notification will be the group admin.
As well as this, WhatsApp are also rolling out a new feature which will allow users to block people from screenshotting their messages, when they send 'View Once Messages'. This feature is currently in the testing stages and will be rolled out 'soon'.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said: "We'll keep building new ways to protect your messages and keep them as private and secure as face-to-face conversations."
Ami Vora, WhatsApp's Head of Product, said: "Over the years, we've added interlocking layers of protection to help keep their conversations secure, and the new features is one way we continue to deliver on our commitment to keep messages private.
"No other global messaging service at this scale provides this level of security for their users' messages, media, voice messages, video calls, and chat backups. We believe WhatsApp is the most secure place to have a private conversation.
"And to spread the word about these new features, we're also kicking off a global campaign, starting with the UK and India, to educate people about how we work to protect their private conversations on WhatsApp."
Now check out all of the emojis that mean something different:
1) Bowing Man 🙇
This guy isn't thinking, he's bowing! Although often mistaken for a man thinking or doing push-ups, this emoji is actually bowing deeply called dogeza in Japan.
2) Sleepy Face 😪
Although technically called 'Sleepy Face', this emoji isn't crying, the 'tear' is actually coming from its nose. This brings a whole other meaning to this 'sad' emoji.
3) See-No-Evil Monkey 🙈
While most people assume it mean 'oh dear' or 'oops', the 'See-No-Evil Monkey' actually part of the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, hence the other two monkey emojis next to it.
4) Person Gesturing No 🙅
While it looks like the person could be doing The X Factor symbol, she is actually gesturing 'no'.
5) Face With Steam From Nose 😤
In a survey conducted last year 69% of the people asked perceived this to mean 'very angry/in a huff'. It actually means 'expressing triumph after great frustration'.
6) Tired Face 😫
This 'tired face' is often confused with the similar 'weary face'. Some also interpret it as a frustrated face.
7) Hushed Face 😯
Its proper definition is someone who should be kept quiet, but many believe it to be surprised or astonished.
8) Disappointed but Relieved Face 😥
Contrary to the upset meaning that many use it for, its true meaning is 'disappointed but relieved'.
9) Dash Symbol 💨
Whilst many think of this as a fart it actually means the fast movement of a person or vehicle!
10) Person with Folded Hands 🙏
No, this person isn't praying! In Japan, a folded hand gesture is commonly used to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
11) Poop emoji
Perhaps the most famous misinterpreted emoji, this little fella isn't actually a poop - he's a happy chocolate ice cream, duh. It was proven (by science) when a Twitter user superimposed the ALLEGED poop over the actual Ice Cream emoji and the shapes fit exactly.
12) Dancing girls
These are dancing girls of the rather more risqué persuasion than what you've been using them as. Sure, nothing says gals night out on the town like these two, but they actually originated as Japanese 'bunny girls', akin to strippers or playboy bunnies.
13) Sassy Girl
There's a Sassy Girl in all of us, but it turns out she's not actually flicking her hair like she just don't care in this emoji - she's actually an information kiosk lady. Who knew.
14) Aubergine emoji
While we know - WE KNOW - that popular culture dictates that this is, in fact a peen, you'll be sad to know that it wasn't designed as such and is actually just an Aub. Day ruiner or what.
The new WhatsApp security features are expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
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