With over 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms globally. However, with great popularity comes increased potential for abuse. One common issue that WhatsApp users face is the misuse of their profile photos by bad actors.
New Feature to Block Screenshots of Profile Photos
In an effort to curb this problem and further safeguard user privacy, WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will prevent others from taking screenshots of your profile picture.
WhatsApp currently allows users to hide their profile image under Settings > Privacy > Profile Photo, with options like “Everyone,” “Nobody,” “My contacts,” and the ability to hide it from selected contacts.
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However, according to WABetaInfo’s reporting on WhatsApp beta v2.24.4.25, the chat app is working on going a step further by restricting other users (including contacts) from taking screenshots of profile pictures.
When attempting to take a screenshot, the app will display an on-screen message informing the user that capturing the profile photo is prohibited.
I’m currently running the exact beta version, but I couldn’t replicate the error message, suggesting this feature is part of a limited rollout.
This functionality is likely achieved using Android’s Flag_Secure window attribute, which prevents taking screenshots or screen recordings of content deemed sensitive.
While workarounds may still be possible, this extra layer of privacy drastically reduces the ease with which people can misuse others’ profile images without consent.
Latest in a Series of Privacy Protections
The move to restrict profile photo screenshots represents WhatsApp’s latest push to increase privacy protections and clamp down on potential profile photo abuse.
The platform has removed the ability to download profile pictures outright, giving users more granular control over their photo visibility, and restricting screenshotting of ephemeral or view-once media.
The upcoming feature will make it much harder for malicious actors to access and distribute users’ profile images.
By continually making improvements in this area, WhatsApp is sending a strong signal that user privacy and safety will remain a top priority going forward.
The platform is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to prevent the misuse of its 2 billion users’ personal data and content.
