WhatsApp is set to double down on its disappearing messages feature, which – like other popular services – enables users to create ephemeral texts that will self-delete after a certain amount of time.
The Meta-owned messaging service has announced that users will now have the option to turn on disappearing messages by default for all new direct (one-on-one) conversations; meaning that after a certain time, conversation histories will automatically purge themselves.
At launch, users could set a message to disappear after 7 days; now, however, users will be able to set retention policies where messages will self-delete after 24 hours or after 90 days.
Notably, the platform has clarified that turning on disappearing messages will not affect existing conversations – and, further, the service will not affect existing groups.
The update is now rolling out around the world.
