WhatsApp now goes beyond one-to-one messaging, with groups, communities, channels and additional privacy and security tools. The platform continues to emphasize protection for personal conversations.
Private Messaging and Calls
WhatsApp says personal messages and calls are protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning WhatsApp and Meta cannot read or listen to them.
Groups and Communities
Groups support polls, events, file sharing and voice and video communication. Communities bring related groups together and provide announcement tools for administrators.
Channels
Channels allow people and organizations to publish updates to followers. WhatsApp says followers’ phone numbers are not shown to channel admins or other followers, subject to its privacy rules.
Privacy Controls
Users can control who may add them to groups, who can see selected profile information and how some messages remain available. WhatsApp also provides encrypted backup options and chat-protection tools.
Strict Account Settings in 2026
In January 2026, WhatsApp announced Strict Account Settings, a more restrictive security option designed to protect against sophisticated attacks. WhatsApp said it can restrict attachments and media from unknown senders and silence calls from people users do not know.
Why Settings Matter
Users should regularly review group permissions, privacy controls and account-security options because features and availability can change by device, account and region.
Sources: WhatsApp Privacy, WhatsApp Communities and Meta — Strict Account Settings.
