WhatsApp now lets you send Mission: Impossible-style self-destructing voice messages

WhatsApp has received new features in the past year to the extent that it has almost become impossible to keep track of, and they seem to be showing no signs of slowing down. The instant messaging platform has just unveiled a new Mission: Impossible-style privacy feature in a bid to keep one’s information on the platform secure. Namely, self-destructing voice messages. Here’s all you need to know.

How self-destructing voice messages on WhatsApp work

WhatsApp introduced disappearing photos and videos two years ago and has just extended the same functionality for voice messages.  The feature is pretty simple to access. All you have to do is record a voice message as usual and select the “View once” option which pops up next to it. Once sent, this message will automatically disappear after a receiver has played the recording on their devices once.

This feature, according to WhatsApp, is perfect for sharing sensitive information such as credit card details, or while planning surprises for once. The voice messages, once sent, need to be opened by a receiver within a maximum of two weeks, or they will be deleted automatically.

What’s cool is, even before you play the clips, you can’t save or forward any voice messages, or photos and videos for that matter, if they were sent with the view once feature enabled.

According to WhatsApp, all “View once” voice messages are protected by end-to-end encryption. Also, if one receives potentially offensive voice clips, or images and videos for that matter, they can choose to report it as well, even if the message disappears.

Is the self-destructing messages feature on WhatsApp foolproof?

It is important to remember that self-destructing messages are not entirely foolproof, since one can always take a photo of your self-destructing photos and video using another device, or even record your voice messages using another microphone.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp introduces ‘view once’ feature for the desktop app, again

Therefore, it is a good idea to only send the same to people you trust, and also ensure confidential information is not shared using the same.

WhatsApp’s new self-destructing voice messages feature has begun to be gradually rolled out to users globally starting today, on both iOS and Android smartphones.