WhatsApp is experimenting with a new privacy-focused feature on its platform that would prevent users from taking screenshots of other users’ personal profile photos used as display pictures (DPs). This aims to boost safety by limiting potential misuse. The notification “Can’t take screenshot due to app restrictions” pops up currently when attempted.
Enhanced Privacy, Anti-Harassment Focus
The screenshot prohibition for DPs aligns with WhatsApp’s escalated emphasis on boosting privacy safeguards and mitigating harassment risks. However, users can still potentially click photos of DPs using other devices as workarounds. Hence, discretion around picture choice remains vital.
Nonetheless, by technically restricting DP screenshots directly on the app itself, WhatsApp aims to reduce impersonation and unwarranted sharing instances that violate personal space. The move builds on its existing bar since 2019 on downloading others’ profile photos directly.
Beta Testing Ongoing, Rollout Soon
As per updates from tracker WABetaInfo, the anti-screenshot capability for DPs is presently being beta tested among a small group of users after showing up in the latest Android beta version. This points to a broader rollout in coming weeks as WhatsApp assesses functionality.
Additional privacy-centric initiatives like pin-locking web chats are also underway, underscoring Meta’s focus on positioning WhatsApp as the most secure messaging option. Competition from the likes of Telegram and Signal drives this.
Tackling Misuse Risks in AI Era
Moreover, WhatsApp’s parent Meta is itself developing proprietary fact-checking AI to combat the growing threat of deepfakes that could enable new forms of misinformation tactics in the digital era ahead.
Hence, firm safeguards around usage of personal content align with WhatsApp’s approach against tech-powered malicious activity – be it opt-in secondary device linking instead of automatic sync or tightened forwards.
