WhatsApp 'Disappearing Messages' Are Auto-Deleted After One Week

From PC Mag: Nothing lasts forever—not even WhatsApp messages. The Facebook-owned chat service is taking (another) page from Snapchat and launching self-destructing posts that disappear after seven days.

The optional feature aims to make digital dialog feel "lighter and more private," according to a company blog announcement. "Our goal is to make conversations on WhatsApp feel as close to in-person as possible, which means they shouldn't have to stick around forever."

Once enabled, new messages will vanish after one week, meaning those embarrassing photos, awkward sexts, and sensitive discussions have a short shelf life. In one-to-one chats, either user can turn the function on or off; in groups, admins have control.

There is no word on how this ephemeral element, rolling out to users everywhere this month, will affect newly starred (i.e. saved) posts. By default, media received in WhatsApp is automatically downloaded to your photos—even with disappearing messages triggered. Turn off auto-download via Settings > Data and Storage Usage.

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