WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.22.3: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.22.22.3.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a screenshot blocking feature for view once images and videos, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Screenshot blocking |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.22.3 is marked as a compatible update but some users may also be able to get the same feature after installing the previous beta build. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | WhatsApp is releasing an advanced version of view once images and videos to certain beta testers. In this case, please wait for a future update. |
| Thanks: | Sc, Elias, Hypogriff, Sniper, kingcyrious, rubiokarim, Hamada, and Elias, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp news of the week: polls and online status |
SCREENSHOT BLOCKING
In August, Mark Zuckerberg announced on Facebook three new privacy features that would be rolled out to users: the ability to control online status visibility, the past participants feature for group chats, and screenshot blocking for view-once messages. Regarding the screenshot blocking feature, we discovered that WhatsApp is now introducing an enhanced version of view-once images and videos designed to prevent users from capturing screenshots or screen recordings of this type of content. This added layer of security ensures that sensitive media remains truly ephemeral, reinforcing the commitment to user privacy. Currently, this feature is available to a limited group of beta testers who have installed the latest beta update from the Play Store.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, the image is entirely black. This is due to WhatsApp enhancing its security measures to better protect view-once images and videos. Several beta testers have reported that they can no longer capture screenshots of view-once images or record view-once videos, making it significantly harder for users to save or share sensitive content without the sender's consent.
Normally, when a user attempts to take a screenshot of a protected media file, WhatsApp blocks the action due to its security policy, displaying a toast notification. However, even users who previously bypassed this restriction using third-party tools or modifications will find that their captured image or video remains black. This ensures that sensitive content cannot be easily saved or shared without the sender's consent. If this enhanced security feature is enabled for your WhatsApp account, here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Whenever someone attempts to take a screenshot of a view-once image or video, the attempt is blocked immediately. The recipient is not notified, but the content remains protected, preventing unauthorized saves.
- Screen recording is also restricted by default when opening a view-once image or video. This means that even if someone tries to capture the screen using built-in screen recording features, they will only get a black screen.
- Users can still take screenshots of regular conversations, even if they include disappearing messages. The new restriction only applies to view-once media and does not extend to text messages, voice notes, or standard media files.
- As has always been the case, view-once images and videos cannot be forwarded, exported, or saved. This ensures that the sender maintains control over how their content is viewed and prevents accidental sharing.
- Despite these security enhancements, users should still exercise caution when sending sensitive view-once messages. A recipient could always use an external device, such as another smartphone or a camera, to capture the content. This limitation exists across most digital platforms and is difficult to prevent entirely.
WhatsApp continues to refine its security features and is actively working on improving detection methods for unauthorized screenshot attempts. Future updates may introduce even stricter controls or additional privacy options to further enhance user security.
For now, this improved version of the view-once feature is being rolled out to select beta testers. Over the coming weeks, WhatsApp plans to expand availability to a wider audience, ensuring that more users benefit from these enhanced privacy measures. If you haven't received the update yet, it should become available soon.
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