WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is making a significant change to its privacy settings. The latest update includes a feature that blocks users from taking screenshots of contact profile pictures.
Previously, users could easily take a screenshot of a contact’s profile picture without any restrictions. However, with this new update, attempting to take a screenshot now results in an error message, indicating that the feature has been disabled.
It appears that the update is currently rolling out on Android devices, with users still able to take screenshots of mini-profile or profile preview images. This privacy feature is not limited to a specific app build, suggesting that it is a server-side update implemented by Meta.
The parent company of WhatsApp may be implementing this change to prevent impersonation and enhance privacy for its users. Unlike other messaging services like Telegram and Signal, which do not currently block screenshot capabilities, WhatsApp is taking a more proactive approach to protecting user information.
In addition to the update, users can further enhance their privacy by hiding their profile picture in WhatsApp settings. This allows users to have more control over who can view their profile picture and prevents unauthorized users from taking screenshots.
While the update is currently being rolled out, it is expected to reach stable versions of the app in the future. This change reflects WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing user privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected digital world.
