To make the messaging experience more convenient and trouble-free for users, the Whatsapp messaging app has recently added the “disappearing messages” feature. Initially, the feature allowed messages to disappear after 7 days, which was later reduced to 24 hours option.
However, as per the WABetaInfo report, now the platform is working on an advanced version of this feature to introduce a “view once” feature like Snapchat in disappearing messages. This feature will allow messages to disappear after viewing once for both sender and the receiver.
The new feature is currently in testing mode and will be available for Whatsapp Beta Android version 2.22.25.20. Upon sending “view once” messages, the receiver will not be able to forward or share that message further.
The “view once” feature is already available for photos and videos on Whatsapp to encourage user privacy. While sharing media with others, users can choose whether they want the receiver to view that file for once or allow replay.
When a user sends a video or photo with the “view once” option, the receiver cannot take a screenshot, and the same functionality is presumed for the upcoming view once text messages.
The view-once functionality for photos or videos in Whatsapp can be accessed by selecting the media file to share and then tapping on the encircled “1” icon next to the caption prompt. It is expected that the same feature for text messages will be available via the iconic send button with a padlock. However, since the feature is in development mode, the design might change when it is rolled out.
Currently, the Whatsapp spokesperson has declined to comment on this information. So, it is unclear whether the platform will launch in the coming days or not.
Meanwhile, per WAInfoBeta’s other report, the messaging app is also launching another feature “Message Yourself” for beta users. The feature will allow users to send media, text, reminders, and other documents to themselves on Whatsapp. Currently, the users have to use wa.me/+91 and then their 10-digit contact number to access the same functionality.
Also read: Meta Introduces Facebook-like 3D Avatars for Whatsapp Now
At the same time, the news of the expected Whatsapp shutdown in the UK is coming out. As the new bill asking for enabling law enforcement to access encrypted messages by Police and M15 has been presented to the government authorities, the Messaging services head at Meta said that they would rather block the messaging app for Britishers than allow data breaches.
