WHATSAPP has begun rolling out Strict Account Settings to bolster protection for high-risk users, Meta announced in January 2026. The lockdown-style feature applies the most restrictive privacy settings, limits how the app functions, and blocks attachments or media from people not in your contacts. It can be enabled via Settings > Privacy > Advanced, and will roll out gradually over the coming weeks, according to Meta’s announcement.
The company says the rollout is part of its broader approach to security, including the behind‑the‑scenes adoption of the Rust programming language to help protect photos, videos and messages from spyware. Rust enabled the creation of a cross‑platform media library called wa_media, with protections such as control‑flow integrity, hardened memory allocators and safer buffer handling as part of WhatsApp’s defence‑in‑depth strategy.
Meta emphasises that the goal is to harden security for users facing sophisticated cyber threats, with strict protections that can be activated with just a few taps.