WhatsApp is rolling out a new disappearing messages feature for private and group chats. This allows users (or admins in groups) to make their messages and media disappear after 7 days. There are limitations. If the message is replied to, forwarded, screenshotted, or copied, all of these copies will not disappear. However, backups and actual messages will disappear. The feature is similar to Snapchat’s view feature, which allows users to set a time or view count, and it also comes with copying and screenshot protection, which WA does not.
WhatsApp mentioned in a statement that "Our goal is make conversations on WhatsApp feel as close to in-person as possible, which means they shouldn't have to stick around forever” which was the reasoning behind this feature. In addition to that, WhatsApp has a lot of users, and hence needs to store a lot of data. This feature can greatly reduce that data load, especially in very active groups.This feature could be implemented in Facebook’s other messaging systems such as Instagram.
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