WhatsApp Now Blocks Screenshots of Profile Pictures, Enhances Messaging with Multi-Pin Feature
In a move towards greater privacy, WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, has implemented a new feature that prevents users from taking screenshots of other users’ profile pictures on Android devices. This rollout, which began as a beta test, is now being expanded to all Android users, strengthening user privacy and control over their online image. Alongside this new privacy feature, WhatsApp is also rolling out the ability to pin multiple messages within a chat, making it easier to access important information in both individual and group conversations.
Enhanced Privacy: Blocking Profile Picture Screenshots
While WhatsApp has yet to officially announce this new privacy feature, it was first observed by Android Police, with users on both the stable and beta versions of the Android app reporting that they were unable to capture a screenshot when viewing another user’s profile picture. This restriction, however, only applies to Android and does not prevent screenshots on the iOS version of the app.
Testing conducted by Gadgets 360 confirmed the functionality on various Android devices. Attempts to capture screenshots of profile pictures resulted in the phone citing security policy restrictions or displaying a black screen instead of the captured image.
It is important to note that while this new feature prevents direct screenshots, it does not completely stop users from saving the profile picture. Users can still take a photo of the screen displaying the profile picture using another device or by capturing the thumbnail that appears in the main chat list. While this doesn’t provide complete security, it signifies a step towards offering more control over personal information by preventing the easy capture and distribution of profile pictures.
Multi-Pin Feature for More Organized Chat Management
In a separate update, reported by the feature tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is allowing beta users to pin multiple messages in a chat. This feature, currently available on Android with the latest beta version (2.24.6.15), extends the usefulness of the existing single-message pinning feature, enabling users to highlight three important messages within a single conversation.
This new feature enhances the organization and accessibility of chats, making it easier to quickly locate crucial information within an ongoing conversation. The ability to pin multiple messages is expected to be rolled out to both iOS and Android users in a future update.
The Future of Privacy and Chat Management in WhatsApp
The rollout of these new features demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing user privacy and improving the overall messaging experience. The profile picture screenshot blocker, while not offering complete protection, is a crucial step towards giving users more control over how their images are shared and viewed.
The multi-pin feature, on the other hand, improves chat organization and information retrieval, making WhatsApp a more efficient tool for communication and collaboration.
As these features continue to evolve and be adopted by a wider user base, we can expect to see further refinements in both privacy controls and messaging functionality within WhatsApp. This ongoing development ensures that WhatsApp continues to be a relevant and powerful communication tool, adapting to the changing needs and expectations of its users.
