WhatsApp Enhances Privacy with New Screenshot-Blocking Feature for Profile Photos

Highlights

• New feature prevents screenshots of profile photos on WhatsApp.
• Arrived in latest iOS beta update, version 24.10.10.70.
• Feature aligns with existing ‘view once’ media privacy settings.
• WhatsApp redesign mirrors Meta’s Messenger for consistent user experience.

WhatsApp will add a new privacy feature that will prohibit others from taking screenshots of your profile picture, given that the screenshot-blocking option is activated.

The company seems to be trying to solve a problem: people secretly taking screenshots of other people’s photos from their profiles.

WhatsApp Blocking Profile Screenshots

The new screenshot-blocking feature for WhatsApp profile photos has arrived with the latest beta update for WhatsApp on iOS; it’s version 24.10.10.70, according to reports by WABetaInfo.

The person who will try to capture the screenshot of profiles where the feature is activated will be shown a “Screen capture blocked” alert, similar to the feature that exists for ‘view once’ photos and videos.

While the screenshot-blocking feature for profile photos has already been spotted in previous Android beta builds, its arrival on iOS indicates that a public rollout for both platforms may be imminent, although an exact release date is currently unknown.

Interestingly, the ‘view once’ media feature, which blocks screenshot attempts, is currently unavailable on WhatsApp’s desktop version for enhanced privacy.

It remains to be seen whether the upcoming profile photo screenshot-blocking functionality will also extend to the desktop application.

WhatsApp Getting Features From Messenger

In addition to this new privacy feature, WhatsApp recently updated the design of its Android and iOS apps, aligning them more closely with Meta’s Messenger app.

The redesign aims to improve navigation and provide a more consistent experience across platforms, addressing previous disparities between the iOS and Android versions.

FAQs

What is WhatsApp’s new screenshot-blocking feature?

WhatsApp’s latest update includes a feature that prevents users from taking screenshots of profile photos, enhancing privacy by displaying a “Screen capture blocked” alert if the feature is activated.

How does the screenshot-blocking feature work on WhatsApp?

When enabled, this feature prevents others from capturing screenshots of your profile picture. If someone attempts to take a screenshot, they will receive a notification that the action is blocked.

Has the screenshot-blocking feature been released for all users?

The feature is currently available in the latest iOS beta version 24.10.10.70 and has been observed in Android beta builds as well, suggesting a public rollout for both platforms may be close.

Will the screenshot-blocking feature be available on WhatsApp Desktop?

It’s unclear if the new profile photo screenshot-blocking functionality will extend to WhatsApp’s desktop version, as the current ‘view once’ media feature does not support screenshot blocking on desktop.

Also Read: WhatsApp Gears Up to Launch Channel Forwarding Feature on Android

Also Read: WhatsApp To Soon Introduce Feature to Post Status Directly to Instagram Story

Also Read: WhatsApp To Reportedly Introduce Username Search for Enhanced Connectivity