WhatsApp advises disappearing messages don't always vanish from view

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a new feature to its messaging app called disappearing messages, though while seemingly privacy-focused, it doesn't guarantee that the messages won't exist in some form after it leaves the conversation.

The need for secrecy or to communicate sensitive information with others has led to some apps creating self-destructive messages, communications where the content of the message is deleted or otherwise becomes unreadable within a set period of time. In a support post, the Facebook-owned WhatsApp advises there are limitations to its own upcoming disappearing messages.The inbound feature will let users send messages to individuals and group chats that will disappear from view after seven days. However, WhatsApp also advises there are many situations where toggling the setting won't work.

Read more...