Kik Hits 120 Million Users, Updates App with Increased Privacy Controls

Waterloo-based Kik has updated its cross platform messaging app to increased privacy and control when it comes to how users can manage how they chat with others.

“Over the past year we’ve seen Kik become the top app used to chat one-to-one with your friends from other social apps,” said Kik CEO Ted Livingston. “A great and safe messaging experience has always been our top priority, and we’re excited to introduce new tools that will give our users even more control over their conversations on Kik. We believe this new and different approach makes Kik even better and safer for our users.”

The new version means users won’t see content unless recipients choose to view them, a way which can decrease the effectiveness of spammers, as images will be blurred until approved for viewing. Kik has also made its ‘Block’ feature more prominent in the new version, which won’t inform the other user they have been blocked.

What’s New in Version 7.2.0
Thanks for your feedback! This update has some big changes that will help you connect with friends on your terms:

• Easily manage your conversations with a separate section for messages from new people
• Pictures and content from new people are blurred until you choose to see them
• Block and report right from your conversation
• Sending stickers is easier and faster!

Below are a couple screenshots of the new version where you can see how new contacts and media sent your way is blurred out:

Kik new version Rogers new version 2

Kik says it is continuing to grow “rapidly”, as every day over 275,000 people are joining the messaging platform.

Click here to download Kik for iOS—it’s free.

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