WhatsApp’s latest privacy feature View Once rolls out to beta users
Andy Walker / Android Authority
TL; DR
- A new WhatsApp function is now rolling out for beta testers.
- Once synchronized view: The function prevents a recipient from opening a sent image or video more than once.
WhatsApp now gets a new feature that gives senders more control over their photos and videos. The “View once” function prevents a recipient from opening an image more than once.
Initially teased by WhatsApp and Facebook Big Wigs, WABetaInfo notes that the feature is now made available to beta testers on the platform with version 2.21.14.3. We can confirm that the version of the app also includes the feature. Those using older versions of WhatsApp can still receive View Once messages, but they cannot use the feature to send messages. The function also works in private and group chats. You can see who opened the picture in a group by going to News info Possibility.
How to send a View Once message on WhatsApp
So how do I know if I’ve enabled View Once? Well it will be pretty obvious as the option will appear when sending media to others.
How to use the function:
- Open a private or group chat.
- Tap the paper clip icon to attach / record a picture / video.
- After selecting a picture / video or capturing new media, tap the 1 Symbol next to the Send Button.
- A message will appear stating “Photo / video set for one-time viewing”.
- You can now send the media. The recipient is only allowed to view it once.
Take a look: What you should know
While the feature prevents users from viewing pictures or videos multiple times, it’s not entirely secure. For one, WhatsApp doesn’t notify you when a recipient takes a picture screenshot. More importantly, if you share a picture or video in a group with blocked contacts, those contacts can still watch the media. Realistically, View Once is not a surefire way to ensure that an image or clip is not saved or shared with others.
Read more: Master WhatsApp with These Essential Tips and Tricks
While View Once is currently only available in the app’s beta channel, privacy advocates are hoping WhatsApp will fix these issues before the feature is available in a stable version. That said, you should always be careful what you send to others, even if more data protection features are introduced into messaging apps.
