{
  "id": 12199848,
  "title": "WhatsApp Starts Testing Restricted Chat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/whatsapp-starts-testing-restricted-chat",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-05T16:54:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/05/whatsapp-starts-testing-restricted-chat/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WhatsApp has initiated testing of a new Restricted Chat feature in its Android and iOS beta programs. This feature builds upon the existing Advanced Chat Privacy upgrade. According to WABetaInfo, Restricted Chat is currently available to users with WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.36.4 and WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.39.10.20.\n\nUnlike default settings, Restricted Chat must be manually enabled by users from the chat info screen. When activated, WhatsApp presents a message within the conversation and imposes four restrictions. Users in a Restricted Chat cannot automatically save media, export the chat, utilize Meta AI features, or access the conversation through linked devices. WhatsApp claims that preventing linked-device access can help deter the use of unofficial clients or AI agents to access the conversation.\n\nDespite these restrictions, messages and calls within a Restricted Chat remain protected by end-to-end encryption, just as they are with standard chats. The company has not yet announced a public rollout for Restricted Chat, indicating that the feature will initially be limited to some users participating in WhatsApp's beta program.",
  "summary": "WhatsApp has started rolling out its new Restricted Chat feature to some users in its Android and iOS beta programs. … Read More The post WhatsApp Starts Testing Restricted Chat appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Lowyat.NET",
        "title": "WhatsApp Testing New “Restricted Chat” Feature",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/whatsapp-testing-new-restricted-chat-feature",
        "published": "2026-10-04T09:31:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}