WhatsApp plans to add a new feature to combat harassment through its latest update. This version will allow the app, owned by Facebook, to access messages sent and received in a chat or group chat.

For the time being, this new feature is available to Android users who are part of the new update’s Beta Testers group, which would arrive under version 2.20.206.3.

User concern regarding privacy.

This is undoubtedly a change that may prove controversial for a large proportion of users. It would do away with that notification: «Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted. No one outside this chat, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them».

If the new update ultimately includes this feature, still in beta, it would mean giving up part of our privacy.

In this way, the app could access the most recent messages exchanged in a chat or group chat if the user has reported a harassment situation to the app.

This means that if we are reported by another user, our messages would be exposed to the Facebook-owned app.

Advantages when it comes to combating harassment.

At onBRANDING, we have always worked to protect the digital privacy of individuals and organisations. However, we are also fighting daily against harassment cases and other forms of digital violence in which evidence gathering becomes extremely difficult. This is largely due to the limited cooperation offered by digital platforms.

All social networks and mobile applications have Artificial Intelligence technology that they use to censor certain content. However, they do not get involved in detecting dangerous situations of harassment or other types of digital violence.

In general, most companies that control digital platforms are based in the United States, where users and platforms take freedom of expression in the public sphere to the utmost extreme. This is one of the reasons why they do not get involved as one might expect.

In the case of TikTok, for example, it is based in China. When we face serious situations on this app and have the cooperation of the National Police, the Civil Guard, or the Mossos, they generally receive no response or involvement from the Asian company.

At onBRANDING, we are eager to see the first results of the Beta version. For us, it is important to know whether we will ultimately be able to count on WhatsApp’s help to resolve the serious situations our clients report.

If you are experiencing a serious harassment situation on social media, or need help managing a situation involving minors, you can contact us.