WhatsApp Prioritizes User Control with New Screenshot Blocking Feature

WhatsApp is one of the biggest instant messaging platforms globally, with more than 3 billion monthly active users as of February 2024 according to Bankmycell. The number is expected to grow bigger in 2025. 

WhatsApp has been releasing privacy and security features to protect its users. One of these features is View Once, which lets users send photos, videos, and voice notes that disappear after the recipient opens them once.

Another feature is the disappearing messages which you can choose when you want your messages to disappear and it's available to everyone. Messages can disappear anywhere from 24 hours, to 7 days, or 90 days.

Recently Whatsapp has been testing yet another feature that will prevent people from screenshotting others' profile pictures. 

In a screenshot posted on the WABetainfo channel when a user tried to take a screenshot of the profile picture a message popped up reading “can’t take a screenshot due to app restriction”

Benefits 

This feature will provide certain benefits, particularly for individuals who give importance to maintaining their privacy.

It will help in identity protection this is because profile pictures often provide identity information hence by preventing screenshots Whatsapp will limit the ability of scammers to steal photos and create fake profiles to impersonate others.

Reduce incidents of phishing and catfishing, thereby protecting vulnerable users, particularly celebrities. Users will have complete control over how their personal information is utilized, enabling them to feel more comfortable sharing a photo that reflects them online.

Profile pictures can be used out of context to harm someone's reputation and spread misinformation, hence screenshot blocking offers a safeguard against this kind of misuse.

Over the years WhatsApp has emphasized giving users more control over their data and how it is shared, it demonstrates WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and aligns with the growing demands for robust digital security measures.

This also comes after the social giant back in 2019 removed the ability to save profile pictures in the gallery.

Availability

This feature is currently available to a select number of beta users and it will soon be rolled out to the masses in the coming weeks, I will keep you posted as soon as the feature gets rolled out.

Currently, WhatsApp allows users to hide their profile picture by accessing the Privacy settings and selecting who can see their picture, which includes "everyone," "My contacts," "My contacts except," and "nobody."

Conclusion

WhatsApp is geared toward privacy and letting users take control of their privacy. With a base exceeding 3 billion users monthly users, WhatsApp will focus on enhancing privacy and security features to align with the growing demand for robust digital security measures.

The introduction of screenshot blocking serves to further empower users reducing the risk associated with identity theft, phishing, catfishing, and reputational harm.

WhatsApp continues to demonstrate its dedication to user privacy by offering users more control over their data and interactions reinforcing its position as a leading messaging platform.