Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- WhatsApp is testing a privateness function that blocks the power to take screenshots of profile photographs.
- This function would work alongside different current privateness options, akin to limiting your profile photographs to solely your contacts, and would forestall unauthorized use of profile photographs.
With the variety of folks utilizing WhatsApp every day, it’s no shock that some dangerous actors discover methods to take undue benefit of the platform. Profile picture abuse is among the commonest annoyances, whereby folks obtain your profile picture for nefarious causes. The platform has taken loads of steps to make this tough, and a brand new report suggests it might quickly add a remaining nail to this coffin and clear up the issue for good.
In accordance with WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out a brand new privateness function to beta testers. This function blocks screenshots of profile photographs.
Quickly, WhatsApp might limit the power to take screenshots of the profile image. When trying to take action, the app will block the motion and inform the person that they can’t take a screenshot.
The report doesn’t point out this, however we consider WhatsApp might be utilizing the Flag_Secure window attribute that treats the window’s content material as safe. When apps use this attribute, the Android system blocks screenshots and display recordings of that window. There are nonetheless methods you may get previous this, nevertheless it does make it considerably tough as in comparison with merely taking a screenshot.
WhatsApp has added different measures to safeguard profile photographs. Profile photographs have been as soon as simply downloadable, however that capability has lengthy been eliminated. Customers even have the choice to show their profile picture to both no person, their contacts, a few of their contacts (by a denylist), or everybody. The identical choices can be found for the final seen and on-line standing indicators, about web page, and standing updates. Proscribing screenshots will go a great distance in stopping dangerous actors from sharing or utilizing another person’s photographs with out their consent.