Turn on these 3 WhatsApp privacy settings ASAP, according to Stiftung Warentest
- by Malte Mansholt
- 2 Min
Immediately adjust three privacy settings on WhatsApp, as advised by User Reports from Consumer Testing. - WhatsApp, as per Wartest's suggestion, requires immediate adjustment in these three aspects:
Can't get enough of WhatsApp? Whether it's your grandma, boss, or kids, pretty much every smartphone user in Germany has fallen for its charm. As a Facebook subsidiary, WhatsApp sits atop the throne of instant messaging, connecting everyone from the office to the playground. But here's the catch: most users are oblivious to the information they unintentionally share with strangers via default settings, according to Stiftung Warentest.
The underlying issue? If someone has your number, they can easily search for it in the messenger - unbeknownst to you, they may have access to your personal info like profile photos, personal details, and status messages. But, fear not! This can be fixed by adjusting three straightforward WhatsApp settings, all accessible in the settings menu under "Account" and "Privacy."
Who's prying on your profile?
First things first: narrow down who can view your profile picture, personal info, and status messages. You have the freedom to set the preference for "Everyone," just "Contacts," or "Nobody." For maximum security, go with "Contacts" as a minimum setting. That way, you maintain control over who gets to see your private details but don't shut out the feature entirely. Unfortunately, WhatsApp doesn't allow differentiating between private or business contacts.
Ghosting your online status
Moving on, Stiftung Warentest encourages hiding your online status. While your online status is toggled on by default, everyone can peer into when you last logged into the messenger. Prior research has shown that usage patterns can be compiled from this data. Unlike the other settings, there's a catch: turning off your online status means you can no longer see others' online statuses as well.
Ditching those blue ticks (read receipts)
Lastly, Stiftung Warentest advises turning off those pesky blue ticks in read receipts. They reveal when a message has been opened by the recipient. By turning them off, others can only see that a message has been delivered (represented by two gray ticks) - they won't know if it's been read. Locate "Read Receipts" in the WhatsApp settings and simply toggle the switch to control these little buggers. As with the other settings, turning them off affects both yourself and others. If you elect to go incognito, you can't demand receipts from others while keeping yours hidden.
The blue ticks ain't totally gone yet: they still pop up in group chats whenever all participants have seen a message. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you can't skip those pesky blue receipts here.
Stiftung Warentest goes the extra mile
Alongside the user privacy settings, Stiftung Warentest also tips the scales in your favor when it comes to Facebook data access. As a user, you can squash WhatsApp's access to your contacts, photos, or microphone from your smartphone's privacy settings. However, keep in mind that restricting access can impair certain app functions.
Source: Stiftung Warentest
- Stiftung Warentest
- Messenger
- Privacy
- Kinder
- Deutschland
Additional Considerations:
When taking a closer look at the privacy settings offered by WhatsApp, here are some other suggestions to protect your personal information:
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensure that end-to-end encryption is enabled for all chats. This way, only you and the recipient can read the messages.
- Two-Step Verification: Activate two-step verification to add an extra layer of security to your account. This protects against unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.
- Blocking and Reporting: Use the option to block unknown or suspicious contacts and report any spam or harassment. This helps shield your privacy and prevents unwanted interactions.
In the light of heightened concern over personal privacy, it would be prudent for the Commission, in its proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, to consider implementing end-to-end encryption in their communication channels, similar to the approach adopted by WhatsApp.
Moreover, while making lifestyle choices focused on digital well-being, it is essential to remain vigilant about technology and adjust settings to maintain privacy in messaging apps like WhatsApp, especially considering the amount of sensitive information being shared unknowingly.
