WhatsApp Testing Self-Destructing Images for iOS

WhatsApp is testing the ability for images within chats to self-destruct, allowing the receiver to only view images once, without the ability to save them to their device.

Whatsapp Feature
Screenshots shared by WABetaInfo, who frequently leaks and reports on WhatsApp's plans and upcoming features, show an interface in which the sender can choose an image to self-destruct. If an image is chosen to self-destruct, the receiver will have a one-time chance to view it and not be able to save or export the image to their device.

WABetaInfo says that WhatsApp has not implemented screenshot detection, which would alert the sender if a screenshot of the self-destructing photo was taken. WhatsApp's approach to the feature is similar to Instagram Direct stories, in which case an image or video is only viewable once before it expires. Other popular messaging apps such as Telegram have already included self-destructing images for some time.

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Top Rated Comments

Eddy Munn Avatar
54 months ago
I wish WhatsApp would self-destruct.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
code-m Avatar
54 months ago

LOL, what about a screenshot? Thats iOS level, isn't it?
Even if WA incorporated screenshot detection like Telegram, one can always use a secondary device with a camera to take out a picture or video. If I had compelling evidence in a text, why bother to expose my hand that I taken a screenshot when a video or photo of the device and text would go undetected. This is just some lame attempt to portray User Privacy.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
countryside Avatar
54 months ago
Self-destructing... except for the copy sent to China.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
deeddawg Avatar
54 months ago
Gee, I can't imagine what sorts of images you'd need a self destruct for... LOL

IMHO better never to put over the Internet anything you wouldn't want published.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HiVolt Avatar
54 months ago
LOL, what about a screenshot? Thats iOS level, isn't it?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
code-m Avatar
54 months ago
WhatsApp User 1: Do you remember that self-destruct picture I sent last week?

WhatsApp User 2: No, I don’t.

WhatsApp User 1: *resend picture as self-destruct*

WhatsApp User 2: Listen if you don’t feel comfortable sending this picture and have to have it self-destruct, why are you sharing it.

WhatsApp User 1: I don’t want my contacts to save and/or share my pictures.

WhatsApp User 2: If you don’t trust those contacts then don’t share a picture, it’s as simple as that and limit watching Mission Impossible movies.

WhatsApp User 1: *confused as to why this contact does not feel that their cannot be trusted*
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)