Screenshots are probably the best way to document a chat, save data from social media platforms and capture moments you don't want to lose. All smartphone users are allowed to take screenshots. But, soon you may not be able to do so on WhatsApp. Facebook already has a feature for Instagram where a user is notified if someone tried to capture a screenshot of the direct messages screen. However, the app still allows the users to take the screenshot. If reports are anything to go by, WhatsApp will soon stop users from doing so completely. 

Why WhatsApp is set to block screenshots?

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WhatsApp's decision to block screenshots may come as a surprise for many as they are an important part of user experience. But, the new feature comes as part of the company's actions to enhance user privacy. Over the last couple of years, WhatsApp has drawn flak over security concerns and is working on a number of features to change that. 

How WhatsApp screenshot blocking will work?

The feature will be released along with the highly-awaited ‘Authentication‘ feature of WhatsAppp, which is currently under development for Android users. iOS users have already received the authentication feature, but it did not add any screenshot blocking feature. According to WhatsApp tracker WABEtaInfo, after enabling the authentication feature, the app would ask users to confirm their identities via their fingerprints before accessing the app. On enabling the feature, even after confirming their identities, users would not be able to take a screenshot of their chats, IANS reported.

More details about the feature would be available once it is officially rolled out by the instant messaging platform. 

Other WhatsApp features

Apart from this, WhatsApp is actively working on to add more features to detect spam messages as General Elections in India are going on across various states. It has recently added features like spam link detection, frequently forwarded messages and is also educating users across the country on how they can avoid spam messages. It is also working on a dark mode which is one of the most requested features from users across the globe. The feature helps save battery life and also looks stunning on OLED screens.