WhatsApp Update Will Let You Block Screenshots From Being Taken

A new WhatsApp update will stop people screenshotting their private conversations. The new feature, which comes as part of a suite of security changes, in line with the app’s commitment to privacy seems strangely integrated.

Currently whatsapp doesn’t appear to block someone taking screengrabs of your chats, perhaps to avoid them being shared with other people, according to WABetaInfo, the blog that first reported on the changes. Instead, it means that you turn on the app’s highest security settings, you won’t be able to take grabs of your own.

The change comes as part of an authentication feature that has been long rumoured but is yet to appear within WhatsApp.

WABetaInfo, who look at beta versions of the app for clues about forthcoming features, shared a screenshot showing details of the update.

That feature allows people to set fingerprint access to conversations, adding a further layer of security so that people can’t get access to your phone and read or send private messages.

The alert said: ‘Fingerprint security – When enabled, fingerprint is required to open WhatsApp and conversation screenshots are blocked.

‘You can still reply to messages from notifications and answer calls if WhatsApp is locked.’

The feature will allow users to enable fingerprint authentication within WhatsApp, meaning users will have to scan their fingerprint to access their chats.