WhatsApp is introducing a new change to the app that privacy-minded users will appreciate. The company has introduced a new feature–or limitation, to be more precise–that prevents screenshots of profile pictures.
WhatsApp removed the option for users to save or download others' profile pictures a few years back, and now, it is going one step further and adding another guardrail. The app now throws a This app doesn't allow screenshots or Can't take a screenshot due to app restrictions warning when an attempt to screenshot a profile picture is made.
WhatsApp doesn't seem to notify the concerned user if someone tries to screenshot their picture and also seems to be blocking screenshots for everyone by default. However, only the beta version of the app for Android is getting the feature for now, and it may be a while before the stable app that is used by billions around the world starts blocking profile picture screenshots.
As it is with any other app with such security measures, nothing can stop someone from simply taking a photo of your profile picture with a different phone, so it's best to avoid using pictures you wouldn't want to be shared with people you don't know. You can also customize who is able to view your profile picture from WhatsApp's Settings » Privacy menu.
WhatsApp can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can download the latest version of the app from APKMirror and install it on your phone manually.
