This is a WhatsApp feature that will no longer be available on iPhone starting today.

WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature that prevents screenshots of profile photos from being taken on iOS devices. This update has already been added to Android, but it’s finally coming to iPhone with the idea of ​​offering more privacy and security tools in the app.

The messaging platform has already changed the privacy settings associated with profile photos. Some time ago he removed the ability for other users to upload our photo. However, through screenshots, it could be obtained and distributed without our consent.

This new WhatsApp feature is now available in beta version 12.24.10.74 via TestFlight. introducing a technical barrier that blocks the ability to capture the screen when displaying a contact’s profile photo.

When attempting to take a photo, the user will receive a notification that it will indicate that the activity is blocked “to protect the privacy of all WhatsApp users.”

Before its arrival on iOS, this feature was already implemented on Android devices. According to Android Police, The ability to block screenshots on profile photos was introduced in March of this year.

As such, it served as an initial test that allowed WhatsApp to tweak and optimize the functionality before rolling it out to the iOS ecosystem, as in some cases the capture was successful but the content was a completely black image where it could not be seen. . profile picture. Something has changed due to the permanent blocking of this action, as is already happening in three sections of the application, for example, video calls.

Currently, the new functionality is only available to a select group of iOS users. However, it is expected to roll out to more users in the coming weeks. This testing phase is necessary to ensure optimal implementation and no bugs before wider release.

Apart from the new screenshot blocking feature, WhatsApp has introduced other security measures in recent years. OROne of them is the ability to mute calls from strangers, an option that allows users to avoid unwanted interruptions and possible fraud.

The app is also preparing an update that will require users to enter their full date of birth when using the messaging service. This change is intended to verify the age of users and ensure they meet the minimum age required to use the platform. The information requested will include day, month and year of birth.

The measure is in response to recent legislation passed in several US states that requires digital services to verify the age of their users to protect minors. The new policy will initially roll out in select countries and will be part of a future app update.

The date of birth entered by the user can only be entered once and cannot be changed in the future. Except, This information will be completely confidential and will not be visible to other users of the platform, as indicated in the age verification window.

This is not the first time Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has implemented such a feature. In April, the company introduced a similar requirement in its virtual reality ecosystem Quest, which also asks for date of birth to tailor account type and settings according to the user’s age, avoiding unnecessary service bans due to age restrictions.