WhatsApp is reportedly in the process of developing a new feature called ‘Secret Code,’ aimed at enhancing chat security and accessibility. This feature, which is currently in testing within WhatsApp’s Android beta version 2.23.21.9, has the potential to offer significant improvements to user privacy.
The ‘Secret Code’ feature primarily serves two functions. Firstly, it enables users to easily locate locked chats directly from the app’s search bar. This means that users won’t have to scroll through their extensive chat list to find specific locked conversations. Secondly, it allows users to lock chats not only on their primary device but also on linked devices. This addresses a significant limitation of the current chat locking feature, which only applies to the primary device.
To utilize ‘Secret Code,’ users can set a custom password for their protected chat folders. WhatsApp recommends using simple words or emojis for easy identification of locked chats within the search bar.
This new feature is a welcome addition to WhatsApp’s security options, as it addresses a longstanding concern among users. While WhatsApp introduced the ability to lock chats using biometrics or PIN codes earlier this year, this feature was limited to the primary device. As a result, conversations on secondary or linked devices remained potentially accessible without any additional security.
The ‘Secret Code’ feature is currently in development and is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance its platform. Over the past few months, WhatsApp has introduced various new functionalities, such as Telegram-like Channels, support for sharing images and videos in high definition, the ability to create nameless groups, and the option to edit media captions.
As with any feature in development, it may take some time before ‘Secret Code’ is officially rolled out to all WhatsApp users. Nonetheless, it represents a promising step toward improving user privacy and security, particularly for those who use WhatsApp across multiple devices.
