WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called "disappearing messages" that automatically deletes messages, photos and videos sent between users after a period of time.
The new feature allow users to enable disappearing messages on chat conversations between users, to automatically delete messages after 7 days.
This feature have been available for users on Telegram and Signal for a long time, and later Facebook Messenger. However, while Telegram and Messenger users are required to start a secret chat to activate disappearing messages, WhatsApp users only need to activate it for individual chats while admins have control of the settings in groups.
"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", WhatsApp said. "The shipping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it and then disappear after you don't."
Disappearing messages won't automatically work for every contact, users will have to enable disappearing messages on a per group or contact basis. Also, users will be able to take screenshots or copy messages before they are automatically deleted.
WhatsApp notes that the new feature will only work on new messages and not older ones. Also, if a user creates a backup before a message disappears, the disappearing message will be included in the backup. However, the disappearing message will be deleted when a user restores from a backup.
The rollout of the new feature is server-side based and WhatsApp says it will use this month to roll out it out to users.