WhatsApp launches much-awaited feature for users

Heeding to the users’ requests, Facebook’s message service WhatsApp Thursday introduced a ‘disappearing message’ feature that deletes messages after seven days. The much-awaited feature would let users enable the option to automatically delete chats after a time period of seven days.

The disappearing message feature can be used for individual chats as well as groups.

To make use of the feature, users have to enable it by tapping on a contact’s name. The disappearing message option if turned on will delete the messages after seven days.

Announcing the feature, Whats App wrote in its blog, “We’re starting with 7 days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent, while remaining practical so you don’t forget what you were chatting about. The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don’t.”

The feature will be rolling out to users everywhere this month and both the Android and iOS users will get the new feature.

Disappearing messages will also wipe out photos and videos after seven days, and while messages will disappear for both parties it’s still possible to take screenshots or just simply copy messages before they’re automatically deleted.