The “After Reading” feature is designed to address situations where messages disappear under the current timer system before recipients open them, creating gaps in communication and confusion among users who oftentimes rely on timely message delivery.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

With this feature, the deletion countdown begins only when a recipient views the message, ensuring that unread messages remain accessible for longer before automatic removal.

This means users can choose how long a message stays visible after being read, with options of five minutes, one hour, or 12 hours, depending on preference.

In the updated system, deletion is tied directly to user engagement, ensuring messages remain visible until read and giving users greater confidence that important information will not disappear prematurely across chats.

📌 What You Need to Know

At the same time, the tech giant remains under heightened scrutiny for its data collection and privacy practices, including the use of tracking pixels, concerns about “shadow profiles” linked to non-users, and questions about its AI training methods.

Reports have also highlighted growing user concerns about hidden tracking techniques, potential data exposure risks, and the monetization of personal interactions, with critics questioning how user information is collected and used across Meta’s platforms.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke