Recently, there have been reports about a new WhatsApp update related to screenshots. WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their disappearing messages. This has led to a lot of questions and confusion among WhatsApp users. In this article, we will take a look at what this update is all about, how it works, when it will be released, and the implications it may have.
What are disappearing messages on WhatsApp?
Before we dive into the screenshot update, it’s important to understand what disappearing messages on WhatsApp are.
Disappearing messages, also known as disappearing chats, are messages that are automatically deleted after a set timeframe. Once enabled, any new messages sent in the individual or group chat will disappear after the chosen duration.
The available durations are:
- 24 hours
- 7 days
- 90 days
This feature provides more privacy and control over conversations. Once disappearing messages are enabled, the messages will not remain in the chat history. This prevents anyone from scrolling back and reading old conversations.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Disappearing messages can only be enabled for individual chats – not groups
- Quoted messages may still remain in the chat history
- If a user backs up their chat history before a message disappears, the disappeared message will be included in the backup
- Recipients can still screenshot or copy disappearing messages before they disappear
What is the new screenshot notification update?
WhatsApp is working on an update that will notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their disappearing messages.
As mentioned, while disappearing messages provide more privacy, recipients can still take screenshots of the messages before they disappear. With this update, WhatsApp aims to make users more aware when this happens.
When enabled, if someone tries to take a screenshot of a disappearing message, WhatsApp will display a notification saying: “[name of recipient] took a screenshot of a disappearing message”.
This will alert the sender that the ephemeral message has been captured and is no longer private. It removes the secret aspect of being able to screenshot without the sender knowing.
How will the screenshot notification work?
Based on the information available so far, this is how the screenshot detection update is expected to work:
- The feature needs to enabled by both the sender and recipient for it to work
- Once enabled by both parties, any attempt to screenshot a disappearing message will trigger a notification
- The notification will be displayed in the chat window, stating “[name] took a screenshot of a disappearing message”
- There is expected to be a short time delay between taking the screenshot and the notification being displayed
- It is not yet confirmed whether the screenshot itself will be blocked in any way by WhatsApp
The feature aims to act as a deterrent against taking screenshots, rather than blocking them entirely. The notification provides transparency around the action – but does not prevent it if users choose to proceed.
When will the WhatsApp screenshot update be released?
The screenshot detection feature is currently under development. It has been spotted in a beta version of WhatsApp for Android, but has not yet rolled out to users.
WhatsApp frequently trials new features in its beta apps before wider release. This allows them to test features and make any necessary tweaks before the public launch.
Given it is still in beta testing, there is no set release date for this update yet. However, if testing goes smoothly, we could expect to see it rolled out in 2023.
WhatsApp will likely gradually enable the update for more users, starting with a small percentage of accounts and increasing over time. This helps manage server capacity when new features launch.
So in summary – the update is coming but the exact timing is still TBC. It’s one to keep an eye out for in the next updates from WhatsApp over the coming months.
Why is WhatsApp adding a screenshot notification?
This new update is primarily designed to improve user privacy and align with the intended ephemeral nature of disappearing messages.
Some key reasons Why WhatsApp is adding screenshot notifications:
- Closes loophole around disappearing messages – recipients can no longer secretly screenshot conversations without the sender knowing.
- Increases confidence in using disappearing messages – users may be more open knowing screenshots can be detected.
- Acts as a deterrent against taking screenshots – some may be discouraged knowing the sender will be notified.
- Puts power back in senders’ hands – ability to confront/discuss if recipients screenshot against wishes.
- Continues WhatsApp’s increased focus on privacy protections in recent years.
While disappearing messages provide a sense of privacy, the screenshot workaround undermines that. This update restores control and transparency back into the hands of the user.
It brings screenshot behavior more in line with Snapchat and Instagram messages, which already notify senders of screenshots. This creates a more consistent experience across different platforms.
What are the benefits of the update?
This new screenshot notification feature offers some useful benefits:
- Enhanced privacy – Recipients can no longer secretly screenshot private messages without the sender knowing.
- Greater transparency – Any screenshot attempts will be immediately visible, avoiding hidden copies of chats.
- Confidence using disappearing messages – Users may feel more comfortable enabling disappearing chats knowing screenshots can be detected.
- Power to the sender – Gives the sender greater control if someone screenshots against their wishes.
- Alignment with other platforms – Creates a more consistent experience in line with existing notification features on Snapchat etc.
- Peace of mind – Provides reassurance to those wanting full privacy when messaging.
For those using disappearing messages, this update will be seen as a welcome improvement and positive step forward by WhatsApp.
What are the potential drawbacks?
While this update aims to improve privacy protections, there are some potential drawbacks or unintended consequences to consider:
- May increase tensions or conflict – Being notified of screenshots could spark confrontation or arguments between users.
- False alerts – Software bugs could potentially lead to false screenshot notifications.
- Workarounds – Recipients may still use other devices to take screenshots discreetly.
- Reduced transparency – Knowing screenshots will be detected may discourage users from capturing potentially useful message receipts or information.
- Distrust – Being notified of screenshots could breed paranoia or distrust between users.
- Message anxiety – Some users may feel anxious or discouraged from sending disappearing messages due to constant screenshot surveillance.
- Excess notifications – If many users screenshot a chat, it could lead to a bombardment of notifications.
While WhatsApp will view this primarily as an enhancement, those on the receiving end of notifications could see it less positively in some contexts.
Can the notification be disabled?
Given this feature is still in development, details on whether users can disable screenshot notifications are not yet confirmed.
However, based on precedent, there are a few possibilities:
- Disable on a chat-by-chat basis – WhatsApp may allow toggling the notifications on or off for individual chats.
- Universal opt-out – There could be a blanket opt-out from all screenshot notifications in Settings.
- Mandatory when disappearing messages enabled – Notifications may be forced on whenever disappearing chats are enabled.
- No opt-out – WhatsApp may force screenshot notifications on with no ability to disable them.
Allowing users control over notifications would be preferential from a privacy and user freedom standpoint. However, mandating notifications creates consistency.
We will have to wait for specifics on the final implementation before knowing what control users have.
How does this compare to other messaging platforms?
Other popular messaging apps like Snapchat and Instagram already have screenshot notification capabilities:
Platform | Notifies Sender of Screenshots? |
---|---|
Coming soon for disappearing messages | |
Snapchat | Yes |
Facebook Messenger | No |
Yes for stories | |
Telegram | No |
Signal | No |
By introducing screenshot notifications, WhatsApp is bringing itself more in line with platforms like Snapchat. This closes a gap in privacy protections between different chat apps.
It also maintains WhatsApp’s position as a privacy-focused platform, building on other recent additions like disappearing messages and encrypted backups.
However, competitors like Telegram and Signal still remain popular options for users prioritizing privacy and security.
Conclusion
The ability to detect and notify about screenshots of disappearing messages is a new privacy-focused update coming soon to WhatsApp. It aims to improve confidentiality and give more control to users when sending ephemeral chats.
While the notifications may cause tensions in some contexts, overall they bring WhatsApp in greater alignment with other platforms in helping protect sensitive communications.
But the exact release date is still TBC and details may change during the beta testing phase. We will have to wait and see how notification behavior takes shape as the update nears launch.
This feature joins WhatsApp’s broader shift towards more private and encrypted messaging options in recent years. With security and privacy becoming greater concerns, users can likely expect more updates of this nature going forward.