California : WhatsApp users are in for another privacy-focused update, as the instant messaging giant rolls out a new feature preventing users from taking screenshots of others’ profile pictures. This move is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to bolster privacy features within the app.
The update, though not formally announced by Meta or WhatsApp, was initially identified by The Android Police. According to the report, this change appears to be implemented server-side rather than requiring an app update.
Upon attempting to capture a screenshot of a user’s profile picture, some devices now display a message stating “Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions.” On other devices, the screenshot yields a blank display image.
Testing across various devices using both beta and stable versions of the app confirmed the inability to capture profile picture screenshots due to these restrictions. However, it’s worth noting that screenshots can still be obtained through the mini pop-up window that appears upon clicking on a contact’s profile picture.
Although users might seek alternative methods to bypass these restrictions, such as using another device’s camera or accessing WhatsApp via desktop, this update marks a significant enhancement to the platform’s privacy measures.
The Android Police report highlights that this feature sets WhatsApp apart from competitors like Signal and Telegram, which, despite their claims of prioritizing privacy, have yet to implement similar profile picture screenshot blocking capabilities.
WhatsApp’s latest move underscores its commitment to safeguarding user privacy, setting a new standard within the realm of instant messaging applications.