Technology
How to Use WhatsApp Privacy Settings for Maximum Control Over Your Information

Privacy-related concerns are among the serious issues in this digital age, necessarily in the use of WhatsApp or other instant messaging platforms. As a matter of fact, WhatsApp is one of the most downloaded message apps in the globe. It allows the user of this highly downloaded app to have several privacy features while keeping information from contacts within. The following tutorial pages will show how WhatsApp’s privacy settings can be used to provide it with full control over one’s personal information so that you can converse with your mind at ease.
Why WhatsApp Privacy Matters
That has never been more important than it is today, when incidents of cyberattacks and breaches of concerns continue to increase. WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted out of the box, meaning that only the sender and recipient can read messages. But WhatsApp lets you adjust privacy settings that control who can see your activity and details about your profile.
By managing these settings, you can:
- Protect your personal data from prying eyes.
- Prevent unauthorized access to your profile and messages.
- Avoid being added to unwanted groups that expose your phone number and information.
In short, controlling your privacy on WhatsApp ensures your conversations and personal data stay protected.
Understanding WhatsApp Privacy Settings
WhatsApp also makes different privacy settings available to be enabled so that the amount of your personal information that is given out can be controlled. You open the app, go into Settings, then Account, and finally select Privacy. The following are the main WhatsApp features:
However, it’s worth noting that some users opt for third-party apps like WhatsApp GB to gain access to additional privacy features not available in the official app. WhatsApp GB or GBWA offers enhanced privacy controls, such as hiding your online status, blue ticks, and even typing indicators, without limiting your ability to see others’.
Last Seen and Online Status
Your “Last Seen” timestamp shows the last time you were active on WhatsApp. Full control over this feature at any time is important regarding questions of privacy.
- Who can see it: You can decide whether to share the Last Seen status with everyone, only your contacts, or even no one at all.
- Impact: If any person hides their Last Seen status, they will no longer be able to see others’ status.
Profile Photo Visibility
The profile picture is very often the first thing with which one interacts when using WhatsApp; thus, being able to control who can see it or not may be important for privacy.
- Who can see it: Choose whether everyone can see your profile photo, only your contacts can, or no one can.
- Why it matters: Don’t expose your profile picture to strangers or contacts you may not be able to trust. Limiting the visibility to close friends and family helps avoid this situation.
About Info Privacy
The “About” section on WhatsApp is where you share a brief status or description about yourself. Although it might seem trivial, this information can reveal a lot about you if not managed properly.
- Who can see it: Control whether your About information is visible to everyone, only your contacts, or no one.
- Why it’s important: Sensitive or personal information in the About section should be limited to those you trust.
Status Updates Privacy
WhatsApp Status Updates Like many social media stories, through WhatsApp status updates, you can post text photos and videos for as long as 24 hours. As they are not permanent, they still need to beLng given significant privacy control.
- Who can see it: The visibility option will give you a choice between making your status updates visible for all of your contacts, selected ones, or only one specific group.
- Why it is important: A status update contains personal content and should therefore only be shared with trusted contacts.
Controlling Group Privacy on WhatsApp
Group chats can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when added without your consent. WhatsApp gives you control over who can add you to groups.
Who Can Add You to Groups
This feature allows you to decide who can add you to WhatsApp groups, preventing strangers or unknown contacts from adding you.
- Options: Set it so only your contacts or select contacts can add you to groups.
- Benefit: Reducing unwanted group invites not only protects your privacy but also limits who can see your phone number and other details shared in groups.
Managing Group Info and Participation
When you are in a group, it is time to manage your participation. You will be able to view the phone number of the group members, and at times, other information about the member, depending on the set permissions within the group.
- Visibility control: Limit your visibility in groups by choosing not to share any details and by leaving/muting those groups where you’re uncomfortable.
- Personal info: Be mindful about what you share in group chats to protect your privacy.
Blocking and Reporting Contacts for Enhanced Privacy
Arguably, one of the most effective ways to be in control of your WhatsApp interactions is through blocking. This implies keeping unwanted contacts from messaging you, viewing your profile photo, or assessing your status.
How to Block Contacts
Blocking someone on WhatsApp is simple and highly effective.
- Steps: Go to the contact’s chat, tap their name, and select “Block.”
- Impact: Once blocked, they can no longer send you messages or see your profile photo or Last Seen.
Reporting Suspicious Contacts
You can report unwanted or suspicious messages to WhatsApp.
- When to report: Spam, harassment, or any other abusive messages.
- What happens: WhatsApp will investigate this report then take necessary action if needed, thus helping one to keep a safe chatting environment.
Two-Step Verification for Added Security
Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account by requiring a PIN whenever you register your phone number.
Enabling Two-Step Verification
Enabling two-step verification is easy, and it’s a surefire way to ensure only you can register your phone number with WhatsApp.
- steps: Go to WhatsApp settings, find something related to data sharing there, and opt out of it.
- Why it matters: By limiting any data-sharing at all, you retain a larger level of control over your personal information and are constraining focused advertisements through Facebook.
Managing Data Sharing Permissions with WhatsApp and Facebook
WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, has always brought up questions about the data shared between the platforms. The data shared doesn’t include your messages, but other personal info definitely does, such as phone numbers and device information.
Opting Out of Data Sharing with Facebook
You can manage your data sharing permissions to prevent WhatsApp from sharing your information with Facebook.
- Steps: In WhatsApp settings, look for the data-sharing options and opt-out.
- Why it’s important: Reducing data sharing helps you retain more control over your personal information and limits targeted ads from Facebook.
How to Secure Chats with End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp’s default feature is end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and the person you’re communicating with can read your messages.
Verifying Encryption for Specific Chats
To ensure your chats are encrypted, you can verify the encryption status.
- Steps: Open a chat, tap the contact’s name, and select “Encryption.” You’ll see a code that ensures your messages are secure.
- Importance: Verifying encryption gives you peace of mind that your messages are protected from third parties.
Best Practices for WhatsApp Privacy
Maximizing your privacy on WhatsApp requires ongoing attention. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Regularly Update Your App
WhatsApp updates its privacy features regularly, so keeping the app updated means you have access to the latest security tools.
- Why it matters: Updates often include critical privacy enhancements to protect your data.
Be Mindful of Shared Links and Media
Shared media, like photos and videos, can expose personal information if you’re not careful.
- Tips: Only share content with trusted contacts, and be mindful of what’s visible in your photos or videos.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Privacy on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has other powerful features with regard to privacy: basically, the right for users to decide with whom they share their personal information and where their data spreads. From settings controlling your Last Seen, enabling two-step verification-these set-ups give you ways to make sure your data is kept secure. Thus, be sure that your information is going to stay safe, protected by your choice, when you go through your privacy settings and update them from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a way that I can hide my WhatsApp profile photo from someone?
Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Profile Photo and select “My Contacts Except.” to exclude the photo from certain people.
What happens if I block a person on WhatsApp?
The blocked contact cannot see your Last Seen, profile photo, and even cannot send you messages.
Can I somehow stop adding me to different groups without asking for my permission?
Yes, you can. To do this, go into Settings -> Privacy -> Groups, and then select either “My Contacts” or “My Contacts Except.”
How do I know my chat in WhatsApp is encrypted?
To verify the security code, making sure that end-to-end encryption is enabled, tap on the name of the contact in the conversation, then on “Encryption”.
What does two-step verification do, and why should I enable it?
Two-step verification works by first providing an extra layer during WhatsApp’s registering process, whereby one has to create a PIN, which offers additional security to prevent unauthorized access to the account.
Technology
The Unsung Heroes of Fintech: How Creatives Are Driving Growth and Trust in the Financial Industry

By Samuel Olaniran
Many experts have highlighted the growing impact of creatives—especially those in product and brand design—across the financial industry, and how their work helps financial companies build trust, communicate value propositions, and drive growth.
These creatives shape the overall product and visual identity of financial brands, creating not just logos, colour schemes, and layouts, but also cohesive design systems that convey professionalism and reliability. This is crucial because trust is vital in finance. A strong, consistent brand and product design helps customers feel secure and confident in their financial decisions.
In digital platforms, product designers improve user experience. They ensure mobile apps, websites, and other tools are not only visually appealing but also functional and easy to navigate. A smooth, intuitive interface encourages users to engage more, making digital banking and investing more accessible to a wider audience. This can drive growth, as people are more likely to trust and stick with platforms that are easy to use.
Brand and product designers also simplify complex financial data through infographics and visualizations. Finance can be overwhelming, but clear visuals and product-led storytelling make it easier for customers to understand. Infographics turn complicated reports into digestible, engaging content, which can help customers make better financial decisions.
Marketing in finance also relies heavily on thoughtful brand design. Designers create visually appealing campaigns that catch the attention of potential customers. Whether it’s an ad on social media or an email newsletter, well-crafted design helps companies stand out and build a strong online presence.
In a competitive industry like fintech, where innovation is key, product and brand design can be the difference between success and failure.
As financial institutions grow globally, product designers help adapt their offerings and messaging to different cultures. By adjusting colours, symbols, and user interface elements to fit local preferences, they ensure financial products are accessible to a wider audience. This helps companies expand into new markets while keeping their brand relevant and consistent.
Looking ahead, the role of product and brand designers will only become more important. Their creative work is key to building trust, improving user experience, simplifying data, and leading marketing efforts. As finance continues to evolve, their role will remain essential in helping companies grow and connect with customers.
Technology
Tribunal Orders Meta, WhatsApp to Pay FCCPC’s $220m Fine in 60 Days

By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday ordered WhatsApp and Meta Platforms Incorporated to pay a $220 million penalty and $35,000 to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) within 60 days over data discrimination practices in Nigeria.
The tribunal upheld the $220 million penalty imposed by the FCCPC on WhatsApp and Meta Platforms Incorporated, as well as $35,000 as reimbursement for the commission’s investigation against the social media giant.
The tribunal also dismissed the appeal by WhatsApp and Meta Platforms Incorporated regarding the $220 million penalty imposed by the FCCPC for alleged discriminatory practices in Nigeria.
The tribunal’s three-member panel, led by Mr Thomas Okosun, passed the verdict on Friday.
WhatsApp and Meta’s legal team, led by Mr Gbolahan Elias (SAN), and the FCCPC’s legal team, represented by Mr Babatunde Irukera (SAN), a former Executive Vice Chairman of the agency, made their final arguments on behalf of their respective clients on January 28, 2025.
Last year, the FCCPC asked Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, to pay $220 million for an alleged data privacy breach.
According to the agency, Meta was found culpable of denying Nigerians the right to self-determine, unauthorised transfer and sharing of Nigerians data, discrimination and disparate treatment, abuse of dominance, and tying and bundling.
The FCCPC noted that its decision was reached after a 38-month joint investigation by it and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The regulator also noted that its actions were based on legitimate consumer protection and data privacy concerns. It highlighted that its final order requires Meta to comply with Nigerian consumers and meet local standards.
“Similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different,” the FCCPC added.
Also weighing in on the issue then, Mr Irukera, noted on X that the approach being taken by the platform varied from that it was applying in other places it was operating.
“The same company just settled a Texas case for $1.4 billion and is currently facing regulatory action in at least a dozen nations, appealing large penalties in several countries. How many has it threatened to exit?” he queried.
Technology
Nigeria Achieves Peak One Terabit Per Second Internet Traffic

By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has reached a historic peak in internet traffic, recording one terabit per second (Tbps) for the first time ever due to the rise in streaming interest.
According to Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the 1 Tbps threshold was finally crossed in March 2025, adding that this significant milestone not only highlighted the nation’s accelerating digital transformation but also brings substantial economic benefits through the efficient exchange of local data.
The journey to this 1 Tbps milestone has been a progressive one for Nigeria. Starting from a modest 5 to 10 megabits per second in 2008, internet traffic saw substantial increases, reaching 126 gigabits by 2019, then 250 Gbps in 2020, and climbing to 900 Gbps by late 2024.
This expansion is attributed to the increasing number of local data centers, enhanced interconnection, and the presence of major international content providers such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, and TikTok, all now connected to the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN).
According to Mr Muhammed Rudman, CEO of IXPN, this milestone represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s internet infrastructure development and highlights the crucial role of local internet infrastructure in fostering economic growth, innovation, and connectivity for millions of Nigerians.
According to Rudman, “This milestone is more than just a number. It is a symbol of Nigeria’s digital maturity and our united strides towards becoming a tech-driven nation. By keeping local internet traffic within Nigeria, we reduce costs, improve speeds, and ensure our digital economy thrives with homegrown infrastructure.
Achieving 1 Tbps is a significant victory for Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem, a breakthrough for domestic internet traffic. It serves as a catalyst, enabling millions of Nigerians to enjoy faster, more affordable, and resilient internet connectivity.”
The 1 Terabit per second capacity signifies a transformative leap for Africa’s most populous nation. To illustrate its impact, a speed of 1 Tbps can concurrently support over 1 million Zoom meetings, empowering students, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect and drive Nigeria’s digital revolution.
Furthermore, this speed allows over 200,000 individuals to simultaneously stream high-definition Nollywood or Netflix movies without any buffering or interruptions. It also enables the transfer of the entire contents of 50,000 smartphones—including photos, applications, and videos—in a mere second.
“For Nigeria, hitting this milestone means reducing reliance on international bandwidth, decreasing latency for local services, and strengthening its position as Africa’s digital heartbeat. This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a faster, more connected Nigeria. This accomplishment goes beyond technical advancements; it has significant economic implications,” Mr Rudman explained.
“By encouraging local traffic exchange, IXPN reduces dependency on international bandwidth, leading to significant cost savings. By utilizing local data exchange, Nigerian businesses can save millions of dollars annually on international bandwidth fees.”
“It also helps to enhanced speed and connectivity, in that with reduced latency, users experience smoother streaming, gaming, and real-time services, enhancing their overall online experience. It strengthens Nigeria’s internet infrastructure protects against global disruptions, ensuring consistent access to vital services such as healthcare and education and optimizes digital services like fintech, edtech, e-commerce, and e-health, propelling innovation and growth in these sectors.”
The importance of this progress extends beyond mere speed. The Internet Society (ISOC) has revealed that Nigeria is now saving at least $40 million annually by keeping internet traffic within its borders, a cost avoidance achieved by routing data locally instead of relying on expensive international bandwidth.
Despite this achievement, Rudman also drew attention to Nigeria’s underdeveloped internet infrastructure, noting, “With a population comparable to Brazil, Nigeria has only 257 autonomous system numbers (ASNs), far fewer than Brazil’s 10,000 and South Africa’s 770. This is a major indicator of how few networks we have offering services.”
He highlighted the dominance of mobile internet access, stating that 99 percent of internet access in Nigeria is mobile-based, with many regions still limited to 2G or 3G networks.
“Some states with populations in the millions lack a single network with an ASN. That is a crisis. Even institutions with technical capacity remain unconnected. Out of 22 financial institutions, only the Central Bank of Nigeria is connected to IXPN,” he stated, also criticizing the insufficient interconnectivity among Nigerian universities.
Mr Rudman proposed the development of regional hubs, suggesting that a city like Kano could host Hausa language content and attract neighboring countries to connect through Nigeria, similar to South Africa’s role in Southern Africa.
To realize this vision, he advocated for investments in community networks, regulatory incentives, and support for local Internet Service Providers (ISPs). “The number of ISPs in Nigeria is shrinking. That’s a red flag. We need to reverse that trend to truly become a digital leader,” he advised.
He called for greater collaboration among regulators, stakeholders, and the media to identify and address the gaps within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“We are all Nigerians. We want Nigeria to be a better place. Let’s work together to solve this,” he urged.
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