WhatsApp Introduces New Strict Account Settings to Protect Users from Hackers

WhatsApp announced a new 'Strict Account Settings' lockdown feature for high-risk users (journalists, public figures, activists) that adds restrictive layers — blocking attachments and media from unknown contacts and silencing calls from unrecognized numbers — to complement end-to-end encryption. The feature can be enabled in Settings → Privacy → Advanced, will roll out globally, and may disrupt legitimate communications for new contacts, so users should weigh security benefits against usability constraints.