WhatsApp Update To Enhance Privacy by Blocking Profile Picture Screenshots

Highlights

• WhatsApp now prevents screenshots of contact profile pictures.
• Attempting a screenshot results in capturing a blank screen.
• Thumbnail profile pictures in chat overview remain screenshot-able.
• Update rolled out server-side, affecting various app versions.

WhatsApp is enhancing user privacy with its latest update, which now prevents users from taking screenshots of contact profile pictures.

This development, initially detected by Android Police, marks a significant step in safeguarding personal information on the platform.

WhatsApp Blocking Screenshots of Profile Pictures

During recent tests, it was discovered that while the app does not display any warning message when trying to take a screenshot of a contact’s profile picture, the screenshot attempt results in capturing a blank screen instead. 

This change, previously noted in the app’s development stages, might include a warning notification in future stable releases.

Interestingly, this new privacy feature does not affect the ability to screenshot the thumbnail version of the profile picture found in the chat overview.

Users can still capture a screenshot of these lower-resolution profile images, which are visible in the general chat interface.

Wider Roll-out For the Update Expected Soon

This update appears to be implemented through a server-side rollout, as it is not restricted to a specific version of WhatsApp.

Tests show that the feature is active on various versions, including the beta v2.24.6.16, indicating that the update is widely distributed regardless of the app build.

Meta’s decision to restrict screenshot capabilities for full-size profile pictures on WhatsApp aims to combat impersonation and address privacy concerns, setting the platform apart from other messaging services like Telegram and Signal, which have yet to introduce similar restrictions.

WhatsApp users looking for additional privacy measures can opt to hide their profile pictures entirely from non-contacts by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Profile Photo. 

FAQs

What does the new WhatsApp update entail?

The latest update prevents users from taking screenshots of contact profile pictures, enhancing privacy and security on the platform.

Will I see a warning when trying to screenshot a profile picture?

Currently, no warning is displayed; the screen simply turns blank when attempting a screenshot of a contact’s profile picture.

Can I still screenshot the thumbnail version of profile pictures?

Yes, the update only affects full-size profile pictures. Thumbnails visible in chat lists can still be screenshotted.

Is this feature available on all versions of WhatsApp?

This privacy feature is being implemented server-side, meaning it will become available across various versions of WhatsApp without requiring a specific app update.

How can I further protect my WhatsApp profile picture?

For added privacy, users can choose to hide their profile pictures from non-contacts by adjusting their privacy settings in the app.

How To Block WhatsApp Profile Pictures Screenshots?

Here’s how to enable profile picture visibility.

• On the WhatsApp app, head to the Settings.
• Tap on the Privacy option and select the Profile Photo.
• Choose from Everyone, My Contacts, My Contacts Except (you must choose which contacts can’t see your profile picture), and Nobody.

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