WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.25: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.4.25.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to block screenshots of profile photos, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Screenshot blocking - profile photo |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.25 is marked as a compatible update, but a limited group of beta testers may be able to experiment with the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Akan, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp is working on a secret code feature to secure locked chats for the web client! |
SCREENSHOT BLOCKING
5 years ago, WhatsApp removed the option to allow users to save others' profile photos. This move would have somehow safeguarded user privacy, as it prevented unauthorized downloading and sharing of personal images without the owner's consent. However, it was still possible to take a screenshot of such photos, undermining the intended privacy protection. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.25 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature to block screenshots of profile photos!
As you can see in this screenshot, when attempting to take a screenshot of a profile photo, a notification appears indicating that the action has been blocked. This new feature adds an extra layer of privacy protection by preventing users from capturing and sharing profile photos without the owner's consent, addressing the loophole that existed previously. It is worth noting that users may still take a photo using a secondary device or camera to capture the profile photo. However, by blocking the direct screenshot functionality within the app, WhatsApp aims to discourage casual and unauthorized sharing of profile photos, reinforcing the concept of user privacy and consent.
In our opinion, WhatsApp introduced this feature to enhance user privacy by providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access and sharing of profile photos. Profile photos are often personal images that users may not want to be shared or saved by others without their consent. By allowing users to block screenshots of their profile photos, WhatsApp gives users more control over their privacy and ensures that their images aren't shared or stored without permission. In addition, this feature would prevent the misuse and unauthorized distribution of profile photos. In some cases, users may use others' profile photos for malicious purposes, such as impersonation or harassment. By restricting the ability to take screenshots of profile photos, WhatsApp can mitigate the risk of these photos being misused or distributed without the owner's consent.
A feature to block screenshots of profile photos is available to some beta testers that install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.