In-chat privacy controls
End-to-end encryption protects content in transit and at rest on sealed paths. Extra tools reduce what remains on devices after decrypt — or harden against casual screenshots.
These tools are orthogonal to E2EE. A peer who can read the chat can still copy content by other means (second camera, memory).
Tools (do not mix the names)
| Tool | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Secure View | Mutual screenshot / recording hardening while active |
| Vanish | Short TTL after seen (seconds to hours) |
| Disappearing messages | Chat-level timers: 24h / 7d / 90d |
| Once-view messages | Leave shortly after seen with stronger screenshot policy |
| View-once media | Open once, then leave the thread experience |
| Kept messages | Exempt selected messages from disappearing timers |
What they cannot guarantee
- Perfect anti-screenshot on every OEM
- Safety after malware on an unlocked phone
- Hiding content from a malicious peer who already decrypted the chat
Safety beyond timers
Block and report remain essential for abuse — see Safety and moderation.
Tips
- Enable Secure View when both sides agree before sensitive media.
- Prefer sealed control delivery so enabling tools does not recreate plaintext A↔B signal trees.
- Pair controls with Private sealed surfaces.