WhatsApp strengthens user privacy protections by blocking the ability to take screenshots of profile photos

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, is introducing a new feature that strengthens users' privacy protection. The app now blocks the ability to take screenshots of profile pictures. This feature was spotted in February 2024 and seems to be tested extensively with a server-side update.

Here's What We Know

Our colleague from Android Police portal reported that his family member was unable to take a screenshot of a contact's photo in WhatsApp on the latest stable version of the app. WhatsApp gives an error saying that it can't take a screenshot due to the limitations of the app.

On Pixel 8 Pro with WhatsApp for Android beta v2.24.6.15, you can take a screenshot, but the user's photo appears blank. Screenshot blocking for profile pictures seems to be enabled by default. No option to disable it has been found yet.

When Meta officially launches screenshot blocking for profile photos, it will have an advantage over Signal. While the latter is a more privacy-focused platform, it does not prevent users from taking screenshots of screen images. Even Telegram doesn't have an option to prevent blocking screenshots of profile photos.

Given the rise of scammers on WhatsApp, blocking screenshots for profile photos is a welcome change. And since it will apparently be enabled by default, this should immediately benefit most users of the platform.

For maximum privacy, you can hide your WhatsApp profile picture from everyone by going to Settings > Privacy > Profile Photo.

Source: AndroidPolice