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by John W. Simek, Vice President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.

WhatsApp Disappearing Messages

November 5, 2020

A new WhatsApp feature will automatically delete messages after seven days according to a post at The Verge. A user can enable the option for individual chats and group admins can enable the feature for group chats. A WhatsApp spokesperson stated, "We're starting with 7 days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren't permanent, while remaining practical so you don't forget what you were chatting about. The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don't."

The setting only impacts new messages and will not delete any of your older chats. You will need to enable the feature on a per group or contact basis. I can certainly see us testing this feature in our forensic lab after it completely rolls out to see if it really works. In the past, deleted didn't necessarily mean deleted.

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