It looks like WhatsApp is weighing up a very odd sounding new security feature that would prevent you from taking screenshots of your own conversations.
The feature was discovered in the latest Android beta (v2.19.106) by WABetaInfo – a site dedicated to exploring experimental and upcoming WhatsApp features before they’re announced.
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According to WABetaInfo, a new security feature for WhatsApp for Android is currently in the works. When it’s enabled (assuming it rolls out at all), you’ll only be able to access your WhatsApp conversations after you scan your fingerprint with your phone. Sounds sensible so far.
Image Credit@ WABetaInfo
But this is where things get confusing. As the screenshot above shows, the feature would also prevent you from taking screenshots of your conversations… and we’re not really sure why anyone would find this functionality useful.
I guess it might come in handy if someone who really wanted to screengrab one of your message threads forced you to unlock access to your WhatsApp messages… and wasn’t aware that they could then disable the feature. Maybe.
The people behind WABetaInfo, it appears, are just as baffled as we are:
Today WhatsApp is developing a new feature for Android: prevent screenshots in YOUR conversations from *YOU* — yes, you prevent yourself to take screenshots — if the authentication feature is enabled. No sense! ?
I hope they'll remove this feature before enabling it. https://t.co/Bmd9GGPAGL— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 15, 2019
Back in February, WhatsApp added Touch ID and Face ID authentication to the iOS version of the app. If you enable the extra layer of security, you won’t be able to access your conversations without scanning your face (Face ID: iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR) or fingerprint (everything else, dating back to the iPhone 5S).
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Better still, the feature is pleasingly flexible, as it lets you select the amount of time before Touch ID or Face ID is required after you close WhatsApp again.
The feature discovered by WABetaInfo sounds a lot like this, but with a confusing twist.
What new features would you like to add to WhatsApp? Let us know on Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.