WhatsApp’s new feature could block private chat screenshots

WhatsApp’s biometric authentication for Android could disable chat screenshots on the app. WhatsApp is yet to roll out the security feature for Android users.

WhatsApp to soon block users from taking chat screenshots (REUTERS)

WhatsApp is testing a new feature which bars users from taking screenshots. This feature would be implemented if the biometric authentication is used on WhatsApp.

As noted by WABetaInfo, this feature is part of the fingerprint recognition on WhatsApp for Android. If users enable fingerprint sensor to lock/unlock WhatsApp they will be blocked from taking screenshots of chats. The screenshot-blocking feature would be made available to users whenever WhatsApp plans to release the 'Authentication' feature, which is currently under development.

Before accessing into the app, the 'Authentication' feature would ask users to confirm their identities via their fingerprints, WABetaInfo reported. On enabling the feature, even after confirming their identities, users would not be able to take a screenshot of their chats.

"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," a screenshot of the beta version of the 'Authentication' feature reads.

WhatsApp rolled out biometric authentication for iPhones earlier this February. WhatsApp users can use Face ID or Touch ID to lock/unlock WhatsApp. However, there is no such feature which blocks users from taking screenshots on WhatsApp.

With inputs from IANS.