New updates from WhatsApp! New end-to-end encryption indicator

WhatsApp is testing a new feature to increase user awareness regarding the security of their chats. In the WhatsApp Android beta version, a new end-to-end encryption indicator has begun to appear under the contact or group name within a conversation screen. This indicator will allow users to see that a message is present in their chat windows and will signify that end-to-end encryption is active.

While this feature is currently available to a specific beta test group, it is expected to be released to more users in the near future. WABetaInfo first noticed this feature in January. The indicator will appear for a short time where you see the last seen details of other users, allowing users to easily identify chats secured with end-to-end encryption.

Once this brief moment ends, the indicator will gradually disappear to be replaced by the last seen indicator. By adopting the approach of showing a small status under the contact name to inform users about encrypted chats, WhatsApp is taking a smart step toward spreading information about encryption.

WhatsApp has long provided end-to-end encryption for chats and video calls and is continuously increasing the visibility of encryption indicators. It is important to note that on the platform, not only chats but even status updates are end-to-end encrypted. These steps are just a few of the ongoing efforts to ensure the security and privacy of WhatsApp users' communications.