WhatsApp bans screenshots: what will happen when you try to save a profile photo

Whatsapp just received a new update, focused on improving user privacy beyond conversations. Specifically, the messenger will prevent you from taking screenshots profile photos of other users of the messaging platform.

Although the company has not yet made a formal announcement of this new version, it was the specialized site WABetainfo that announced this news. In fact, they verified it in the latest beta version of WhatsApp, to which only a small group of testers have access.

So far, WhatsApp It did not include any type of restriction when taking screenshots, neither of the chats, nor in any other part of the application.

The situation changed with the arrival of WhatsApp Beta 2.24.4.25, the latest version distributed via the Google Play Store. And, as they discovered, you can no longer take screenshots of other members’ profile photos.

When you attempt to capture your screen on a user’s profile picture page, a warning appears at the bottom of the screen stating that “Screen capture cannot be performed due to app restrictions.”

In other cases, although it is possible to capture, the image does not appear as the user’s profile photo, but rather with a completely black background.

Unfortunately, taking screenshots to share with others is an all too common practicewhich can put the privacy of users who don’t want their profile photo shared at risk.

Not long ago, WhatsApp explored the option of set two different profile photos to avoid this type of problem, but without a doubt blocking screenshots will be a much more effective method.

However, this feature is not available to all users. Only those who have downloaded and installed the latest beta version of the app will encounter the restriction that prevents them from taking profile photos.

WhatsApp: text changes

While waiting for screenshots to be blocked, Mark Zuckerberg has announced new ways to change the format of WhatsApp messages. In total, four new options in addition to the bold, italic, strikethrough and monospace options available to users.

The improvements that will be available in individual chats and groups will initially help save time and communicate more effectively through messages.

The update will include Bulleted lists to describe the steps of a process, list the ingredients of a recipe or highlight the main points of a message. To use it you will have to write the symbol (-) followed by a space.

Numbered lists to indicate a specific order of things, such as instructions or recapitulation of events. You just need to write (1.) or (2.) digits followed by a period and a space.

block quote to highlight key text and make it more visible in messages. To use it: insert the symbol (>) followed by a space.

It may also be included inline code for the first time in messages. A feature commonly used by developers who need to share code snippets or commands. To use it, you just need to place the symbol (`) next to the text.

The new formatting options are also available to all Android, iOS, Web, and Mac users. Channel administrators will also be able to use these options.