WhatsApp is back with a new update on data protection within their app. In the future, other users will no longer be able to take a screenshot of someone else’s profile picture.
Source: bongkarngraphic on Canva
In order to protect the privacy of its users, Meta removed the function of downloading and saving profile pictures of other members five years ago. However, it was still possible to take screenshots of such photos, undermining the intended privacy. WABetaInfo reports that with the latest WhatsApp betas for Android 2.24.4.25 version it is now possible to block screenshots of profile pictures.
WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp introduced this feature to improve user privacy. An additional protective measure against unauthorized access and disclosure of personal information has been provided. Profile pictures are often personal pictures that should not end up in the hands of third parties without the user’s consent. WhatsApp aims to not only prevent the misuse and unauthorized sharing of profile pictures, but also to protect against malicious use, such as identity theft or harassment. The function is currently only available to some Android users who can test the new protective measure in the beta version.