WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature that allows users to edit messages after they've been sent.

If you've ever sent a message only to see it contains a spelling error, or realise you left out key information, you can now quickly amend WhatsApp exchanges with the click of a button.

The instant messaging app previously only allowed messages to be deleted completely, but from this week they can be edited up to 15 minutes after sending.

As with all WhatsApp content, edited messages are also protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning they can only be read by sender and receiver. The tech giant has started rolling out the new feature this week globally and will be available on every phone in the coming weeks.

A statement on WhatsApp's blog reads: "From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats. All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after.

Last month, the social media app launched a new feature that allows users to hide their "most intimate conversations" from prying eyes. Released on May 15 by WhatsApp's parent company Meta, chat lock "locks and hides" private messages, to remove them from your main inbox.

Selected exchanges are then moved to a hidden folder only accessible with a password, fingerprint ID or eye scan. While this feature aims to improve privacy, Meta has butted heads with the UK government over the proposed Online Safety Bill.

The legislation aims to strengthen internet safety to protect children online and tech companies that refuse to comply could be slapped with large fines. Back in April, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg threatened to withdraw WhatsApp from British phones, claiming the bill undermines the app's end-to end encryption services.

However, the government has clarified that the bill would not out law the encrypted messaging, but aims to target child abuse content while retaining privacy online.

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