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WHATSAPP GETS MORE SECURE

Meta has revealed more safety features for its WhatsApp messaging service, which it claims is now the most secure system of its kind and size.

The new privacy features allow users to leave groups they have been added to, either by themselves or others, silently.

Previously, by default, a message is sent to all members of a group informing them when someone leaves, which has the potential to cause some embarrassment. Now members will be able to slink off unannounced.

Other new safety features include the ability to hide your online status so people are not alerted to the fact that you’re active, and the ability to block people taking screenshots of messages you have marked as ‘view once’.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Snapchat is rolling out another security feature – this time to help parents keep tabs on what their children are up to on the platform.

The new Family Centre is a dedicated space on the parents’ account where they can see which accounts their children follow, and which they have interacted with most over the last week.

Parents are not able to see the content of any messages, either from or to their children.

Snapchat says the system is designed to mimic how parents and children interact in real life – you know who they’re hanging around with, but are not party to their conversations.

The Family Centre is not active by default, and both sides have to agree to turn it on.