Over the last couple of months, we saw WhatsApp add a bunch of features, some for added functionality and some for security purposes. According to new reports, WhatsApp could soon make taking screenshots of the chats a thing of the past.

When the Authentication feature will be available and you enable it, conversation screenshots are blocked (for you) 😢

What do you think? I don't like the idea and I don't see the point.

If I authenticate my identity using my fingerprint, why conversation screenshots are blocked? https://t.co/wVFWyx2Ibb — WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 15, 2019

According to WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp information, the messaging app is testing a feature that will give users an option to not allow users to screenshot a chat. This is supposed to come with another authentication feature for Android users, which will make use of fingerprints. Some believe that this renders the screenshot disallowing feature redundant.

WhatsApp’s rationale behind this move would be to strengthen user privacy by not allowing a third-person access to potentially sensitive information. It makes sense in a way because currently, it’s really easy to just screenshot a chat and share it with someone else. Let’s be honest, we all have done this at some point in time.

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The influx of this feature may not entirely stop the non-consensual spread of personal information, but it will definitely act as a hurdle, which could slow it down. Having said that, I am 100% sure that there will be numerous workarounds for this. Snapchat is notoriously famous for supporting this ideology, and more recently, even Facebook offers this option called “Privacy shield” where screenshots are entirely not allowed, or trigger notifications to the other party. Ways to get away from getting caught are available, ranging from apps that mask this action, screen recorders, and especially for WhatsApp, just copy-pasting entire groups of chats.

This controversial feature was spotted in WhatsApp Beta 2.19.106 for Android, and public availability date is not yet known. Beta features can also change over time, and can even get entirely canned in some scenarios. Some other details like how this will be implemented for group chats are still unknown. We get where WhatsApp is coming from and it’s very likely to be met with criticism, just like everything else on the internet.

Cover image artwork: Dhawal Bhanushali / Mashable India