A survey conducted by WhatsApp on the eve of Global Encryption Day revealed that while 7 in 10 Malaysians consider themselves private individuals who value end-to-end encryption, only 3 in 10 actively enable advanced privacy features on the messaging platform. The study also highlighted varying levels of vigilance in online safety, with a higher willingness to block unsolicited messages offering freebies compared to promptly leaving unwanted group chats when strangers add them.
18 October 2023 – In anticipation of Global Encryption Day, WhatsApp conducted a survey, shedding light on the diverse privacy behaviors and attitudes of Malaysians on the widely-used messaging platform. The findings indicate that while a majority value end-to-end encryption, a significant portion fails to actively enable privacy features.
WhatsApp, boasting over 2 billion users worldwide and a crucial communication tool in Malaysia, remains renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and, notably, its privacy features. In a bid to quantify the extent of privacy practices, the survey unearthed several intriguing insights.
According to the survey, 7 out of 10 Malaysians identify themselves as private individuals, asserting their commitment to ensuring that all of their conversations benefit from the robust shield of end-to-end encryption. This level of encryption guarantees that only the intended sender and recipient can decipher the contents of their messages, with no interference from third parties, including WhatsApp itself.
Nonetheless, the study reveals a stark contrast when it comes to the active application of privacy settings. A mere 3 in 10 Malaysians take the initiative to configure enhanced privacy features on their messaging platforms, despite their recognition of the importance of maintaining a private digital sphere.
Further delving into the realm of privacy, the data underscores the selective vigilance exercised by Malaysians in different online contexts. When it comes to dealing with unsolicited messages promising freebies from unknown numbers, a remarkable 8 out of 10 Malaysians immediately resort to blocking and reporting such content. This, however, is not mirrored in the case of unwanted group chats, where only 3 out of 10 Malaysians promptly exit the group when strangers add them, demonstrating a more relaxed stance.
In terms of WhatsApp’s multifaceted utility, the survey highlights its integral role in the daily lives of Malaysians, who rely on it for frequent interactions with friends and family, sharing cherished moments, exchanging multimedia content, and collaborating on professional documents. WhatsApp’s default end-to-end encryption, ensuring conversations remain private and secure, is widely appreciated.
Moreover, the platform offers a suite of additional privacy features, such as Chat Lock, Silence Unknown Callers, Disappearing Messages, and Encrypted Backups, enabling users to further fine-tune their privacy settings to align with their preferences.
One such feature, Disappearing Messages, has found favor among 5 in 10 Malaysians who utilize it in group chats. This feature empowers users to set messages to vanish after predefined time intervals – 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days – enhancing the confidentiality of their group conversations.
A noteworthy revelation from the survey is the majority’s unfamiliarity with preventing unwanted additions to group chats. Only 2 in 10 respondents were aware of the privacy setting modification from ‘Everyone’ to ‘My Contacts,’ a crucial mechanism to ward off unknown individuals from joining group chats.
Additionally, 6 in 10 Malaysians actively employ the “View Once” feature when sharing sensitive content, such as photos containing financial information. This feature allows recipients to view the content only once before it self-destructs.
In conclusion, the survey presents a nuanced picture of Malaysians’ privacy practices on WhatsApp. While the majority value the inherent end-to-end encryption and some additional privacy features, there exists room for greater awareness and active engagement with advanced privacy settings. WhatsApp users are encouraged to explore the array of privacy options available and tailor them to their specific needs to enjoy enhanced privacy protection.
