A new beta version of WhatsApp is rolling out and is adding a new security element to the “view once” sharing feature. The latter was released last year, but the first iteration wasn't infallible. Meta is now mending security gaps in WhatsApp beta with the latest release.
The “view once” option for images and videos is a security feature that allows WhatsApp users to share photos and videos that expire in the recipient's inbox once they view the media files, hence the name. It works as intended, except for one oversight: recipients can still screenshot or make screen recordings of the “view once” media files they receive. (via WaBetaInfo)
Meta is now working on preventing users from keeping records of these media files that should expire and completely disappear after one view. The latest version of WhatsApp beta, 2.22.22.3, seemingly offers the needed security solution. Firstly, it prevents users from screenshotting or screen recording when they view these files. But more importantly, even if they somehow bypass the system to enable screenshots, the end result will be a pitch-black screen, as demonstrated in the screenshot below.
There is no concrete release date associated with these upcoming features, but that's the norm regarding beta builds. However, because this is a mere addition to an existing feature in WhatsApp, it's more likely to go live sooner than other, perhaps more ambitious features tested in previous beta versions. We'll keep you posted.
