Staying safe on WhatsApp

Privacy and security on WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a free messaging platform that allows text, voice, and video communication.

Users can send messages, make calls, and share photos and videos. With end-to-end encryption, only the sender and the recipient can read the messages, making it a popular choice for international communication with friends and family.

WhatsApp security settings

WhatsApp offers several features to help keep your account secure:

• Protect Your Codes: Never share your registration code or two-step verification PIN with others.
• Enable Two-Step Verification: Adds a second layer of security when logging into your account. Providing an email address is helpful in case you forget your PIN. Learn how to enable two-step verification.(https://faq.whatsapp.com/1278661612895630/?locale=en_US&category=5245245)
• Voicemail Password: Set a difficult-to-guess voicemail password to prevent unauthorised access.
• Check Linked Devices: Regularly review devices linked to your account via WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices. To remove a device, tap the device and select Log Out.
• Device Security: Set a device code and be aware of who has physical access to your phone. Physical access could allow someone to use your WhatsApp without permission.
• Email Caution: Do not click on unrequested emails that ask you to reset your PIN or registration code; this might be an attempt to access your account.
• Chat Lock: Adds an extra layer of security to specific chats. Use phone passcode, fingerprint, or similar authentication to open locked chats. Learn how to turn on chat lock.(https://faq.whatsapp.com/764072925284841/?cms_platform=web)
• Disappearing Messages: Set messages to disappear after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. However, keep in mind that recipients can save messages and take screenshots. Learn more about disappearing messages.(https://faq.whatsapp.com/673193694148537/?helpref=uf_share)

Privacy on WhatsApp

By default, any user can view your profile picture and online status. Your contacts can also see status updates, about information, and your last active time. You can customise these settings to enhance your privacy. Learn how to amend privacy settings on WhatsApp.(https://faq.whatsapp.com/3307102709559968/?helpref=faq_content&cms_platform=web)

To help with this, consider doing a WhatsApp Privacy Checkup to customise your privacy settings. Learn how to do a privacy check-up on WhatsApp.(https://faq.whatsapp.com/143990998547188/?cms_platform=android)

Safety features on WhatsApp

• Leaving a Group: Click on the group chat name, then select Exit Group at the bottom.
• Blocking a User: Open the chat, click the menu at the top right, and select Block. Uncheck 'Report to WhatsApp' if you do not wish to report them. Learn more about blocking and reporting on WhatsApp.(https://faq.whatsapp.com/1142481766359885/?helpref=faq_content&cms_platform=web)
• Reporting Users/Groups: To report, open the chat, click the three vertical dots at the top right, and select Report.

For more detailed safety information, visit the WhatsApp help centre(https://faq.whatsapp.com/).

Advice for parents

WhatsApp’s minimum age of use is 13.

They have created a video to help parents support their teens on WhatsApp. Help your teen stay safe on WhatsApp.(https://faq.whatsapp.com/323781503786199)

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