Ask HN: Are disappearing messages on WhatsApp deleted?

3 points by jakobov 2 years ago | 4 comments

I have a suspicion that disappearing messages are not deleted but rather only disappear from the UI. If you read the WhatsApp docs on disappearing messages carefully, you will notices it does not claim that the messages are actually deleted.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what's actually happening with the messages?

pndy 2 years ago |

When fb released a dedicated page for Messenger, I discover that messages I deleted and which were clearly coming from time when Chat was the default direct messaging feature, were restored and gathered under Messenger dedicated submenu for non-contacts messages.

jakobov 2 years ago | |

That is VERY concerning!

jlpcsl 2 years ago |

If they are not actually being deleted then they are violating the European GDPR privacy laws. And I would not be surprised if that was the case. Meta is a terrible corporation when it comes to your privacy and best to avoid their products completely.

jakobov 2 years ago | |

What part of GDPR is being violated?