WhatsApp will now stop users from taking screenshots of display pictures

WhatsApp display pictures are a great way to keep your contacts up to date with your life. Back from an exotic vacation? Received an accolade? Or have a cute pet that you want to show off? Updating your WhatsApp profile photo is easy and can be done with a few taps… but so is saving it.

While WhatsApp removed the option of downloading a display picture a couple of years ago, there are still multiple ways to record or save a photo. Screenshotting, of course, is one of them. However, a new beta update of the instant messaging smartphone app is likely to change this. Here’s how.

WhatsApp to restrict screenshotting: How will this feature work for profile photos?

According to WABetaInfo.com, the new update (version: #2.24.4.25) is looking to implement a host of privacy-related changes. One of these would be adding a layer to prevent unknown (or known) contacts from saving your profile photo locally.

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Several users with the beta version have reportedly tried the feature, and the app has blocked their attempts at clicking a screenshot. Instead, they are met with a message that reads: Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions.

How will this feature help?

For one, it will stop users from illegally downloading and misusing your photos. WhatsApp profile photo abuse is perhaps one of the most common malicious practices and often a root cause of impersonation or blackmail attempts. However, it is crucial to note that despite the privacy layer, there are still loopholes for a perpetrator to save your WhatsApp display picture.

Who can access this feature?

The feature is currently only available for users enrolled in beta program. That said, with privacy being the need of the hour, we’re certain that WhatsApp will gradually make this feature available for Android and iOS users with a stable update sometime in the near future.