Q&A: WhatsApp’s new “lockdown update”: Paying the privacy tax for peace of mind.
Q&A: WhatsApp’s new “lockdown update”: Paying the privacy tax for peace of mind.
Publish Date: 2026-03-18 17:48:00
Source Domain: www.digitaljournal.com
The European Consumer Organisation BEUC objected to a lack of clear communication by WhatsApp about a 2021 change to its terms of use and privacy policy – Copyright AFP JADE GAO
Targeted threats have changed the landscape for messaging apps. In response to this, WhatsApp has unveiled a new security feature. Beyond this, the update indicates the direction that the technology intends to take next. To understand more, Digital Journal spoke with Subho Halder, Chief Executive Officer at Appknox.
Digital Journal: What is WhatsApp’s new “Strict Account Settings” update, and why is it important?
Subho Halder: WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings is an account-level security feature designed to provide enhanced protection against targeted threats like account takeovers, spyware, and sophisticated social engineering attacks.
Previously, features like these were reserved for high-risk users, such as journalists, activists, and public figures. Now, WhatsApp is gradually rolling them out to everyday users, reflecting the reality that threats have become more personalized and widespread. The importance of this update lies in its shift of responsibility: users now have the option to harden their accounts proactively. It also introduces a tradeoff — greater security comes with added friction and less convenience, prompting users to consider how much usability they’re willing to give up for peace of mind.
DJ: How does this update change the user experience?
Halder: Strict Account Settings reduces your exposure to threats by limiting the ways unknown contacts can interact with you. For example:
- Messages, attachments, and media from people outside your contacts are blocked until approved.
- Calls from unknown numbers may not ring through, reducing interruptions and the potential for social engineering attacks.
- Certain account behaviors are nudged toward more restrictive defaults, requiring users to actively manage trust settings.
While…
