WhatsApp has recently announced an extension of its ‘View Once’ feature to include voice messages. This feature, originally introduced for photos and videos in 2021, allows users to send voice messages that disappear once they are listened to, providing an added layer of privacy and security.
Perfect for Sensitive Information:
According to WhatsApp, the ‘View Once’ feature for voice messages is ideal for sharing sensitive information such as credit card details or planning surprises. Similar to ‘View Once’ photos and videos, these voice messages are marked with a “one-time” icon and can only be played once. WhatsApp assures users that the new view once voice messages are protected with end-to-end encryption by default. The company has announced a global rollout of this feature over the coming days.
How to Use ‘View Once’ for Voice Messages:
To utilise the ‘View Once’ feature for voice messages, users need to select ‘View Once’ each time they send a message. Once sent, the message cannot be viewed again. Recipients can verify if a ‘View Once’ message has been opened by ensuring that read receipts are turned on.
Important Notes:
Users are advised to send ‘View Once’ messages only to people they trust.
There is a possibility that recipients can save ‘View Once’ media using external devices before it disappears.
Encrypted media may be stored on WhatsApp’s servers for a few weeks after being sent.
Reporting ‘View Once’ media will result in providing the media to WhatsApp, as per the company’s policy.
Receiving ‘View Once’ Media and Voice Messages:
Upon receiving a ‘View Once’ photo, video, or voice message, recipients have 14 days to open it before it expires from the chat.
Forwarding, saving, starring, or sharing such media is not possible. ‘View Once’ media and voice messages can be restored from backups if unopened at the time of the backup. However, once opened, they cannot be included in the backup or restored.
