The View Once feature was released in 2021
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)There have been whispers about a possible block against screenshots by WhatsApp users for a few months. But the details have finally been ironed out.
WhatsApp will be rolling out a security measure that stops people from screenshotting View Once messages.
Here is everything you need to know.
What are WhatsApp View Once messages?
Released in 2021, the View Once feature is similar to Snapchat and Instagram’s self-destructing videos and images. WhatsApp has said it offers users more privacy, a way to send content which can only be viewed once by the recipient before they disappear and are no longer accessible.
“While taking photos or videos on our phones has become such a big part of our lives, not everything we share needs to become a permanent digital record,” reads a statement posted by the messaging app back in August.
“On many phones, simply taking a photo means it will take up space in your camera roll forever.
“That’s why today we’re rolling out new View Once photos and videos that disappear from the chat after they’ve been opened, giving users even more control over their privacy.
“For example, you might send a View Once photo of some new clothes you’re trying on at a store, a quick reaction to a moment in time, or something sensitive like a wifi password.”
But the feature has since been criticised, as it emerged that WhatsApp overlooked the fact anyone could simply screenshot the content. which defeats the entire purpose and does not make it a “private” feature.
When will the screenshot-blocking feature be available to users?
About a year after the feature was announced, WhatsApp boss Mark Zuckerberg made it known that a screenshot-blocking option was on its way to solve this issue. According to beta testers of the app, screenshot blocking is starting to show up. Users trying to take a screenshot of View Once content will receive the message, “can’t take screenshot due to security policy”.
There’s no fixed date yet on when this will be available to all users, but WhatsApp has said that they are “testing this feature now and are excited to roll it out to users soon”.
