New Delhi | Updated: February 21, 2024 10:40 IST
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform, is reportedly experimenting with a new feature aimed at bolstering user privacy. The latest functionality, currently being tested in the WhatsApp beta for Android, seeks to prevent users from taking screenshots of other users’ profile pictures, also known as display pictures (DPs).
In a bid to curb unauthorized downloading and sharing of personal photos, the platform will notify users with a message stating ‘Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions’ when attempting to capture another person’s profile picture. This move aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to safeguard user privacy and mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized sharing of personal information.
Similar to existing restrictions on screenshot capture in apps like Snapchat and payment platforms such as Paytm and Google Pay, the new feature aims to deter potential misuse of profile pictures for impersonation or harassment purposes. However, users will still have the option to capture profile pictures using alternative devices like secondary phones or cameras.
The decision to limit screenshot capabilities for profile pictures follows WhatsApp’s earlier move in 2019 to disable the functionality allowing users to download others’ profile pictures directly from the app. By implementing these measures, WhatsApp aims to foster a safer and more secure environment for its users, thereby reinforcing its commitment to user privacy and data protection.
While the screenshot block feature is currently available to a select group of beta testers, it is anticipated to be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks. This latest development underscores WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to introduce innovative features and functionalities that enhance user experience while prioritizing privacy and security.
Additionally, alongside these privacy-focused initiatives, WhatsApp is also working on a dedicated fact-checking chatbot to address the proliferation of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, further underscoring the platform’s commitment to combating misinformation and promoting digital well-being among its users.
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