WhatsApp launched a screenshot lock for Android units again in October 2022. The change went hand in hand with the brand new perform for sending “one-time view messages” in order that no person may use the screenshot perform to bypass the restriction.
Since February this yr, the screenshot lock has additionally utilized to profile photos. You possibly can not take a screenshot of the picture within the massive view. The change was meant to forestall abuse by scammers or bullies.
This lock now applies to all smartphones, as it’s not doable to take screenshots on an iPhone both. It’s already lively for some customers, however others have up to now been spared.
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What does the screenshot lock do?
Anybody who tries to faucet on another person’s profile image in WhatsApp and take a screenshot with their smartphone in full view will likely be blocked by WhatsApp. Screenshots might not be taken on this view.
Based on WhatsApp, the intention of this measure is to guard customers’ privateness and stop the misuse of photos. Though you’ll be able to nonetheless open a profile image within the chat after which screenshot it, the consequence will solely be obtainable in a smaller dimension and decrease high quality.
As well as, photos can nonetheless be photographed with one other system. It’s subsequently unclear to what extent the lock can actually present safety.
WhatsApp exhibits substitute picture on iOS
Whereas no screenshot is taken on Android units and the notification “Screenshot can’t be taken because of app restrictions” seems, iOS customers apparently obtain a black picture with white textual content of their gallery.
This informs them that the screenshot has been blocked to guard the particular person. Apparently, WhatsApp doesn’t have the choice to fully block screenshots on this case and makes use of this answer as an alternative.
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This text initially appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and tailored from German.