WhatsApp now offers an option to have communications instantly deleted for everyone in a chat using ephemeral messaging, but the service might go even further. According to reports, it is developing a view-only messaging feature.
WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp is creating a feature that will instantaneously delete a text message after it is viewed by the recipient. As the feature is still in the development phase it is not being tested by beta testers.
A special chat button with a lock symbol will be shown through which these view-once messages can be sent. This however may change in the final release of the feature according to WABetaInfo.
If you wish to delete a message from someone else’s smartphone so that it can’t be shared with others, the possible function can be useful. As with photographs and videos, receivers of a view-once message won’t be able to duplicate or forward it. Additionally, this kind of message is not capable of being screenshotted.
This feature is already available in WhatsApp for photographs and videos, so its addition to text messages is a little belated. Even while it makes WhatsApp seem like it’s catching up to its competitors, some of the finest messaging applications, like Snapchat, have long had this option. It makes sense for WhatsApp to do the same.
Additionally, the social messaging app has been giving the feature of ephemeral messages in both individual and group chats. However, depending on user preferences it gives recipients more than enough time to copy or screenshot the messages in around between 24 hours to 90 days.
Communications by users will disappear right away using the new feature once the recipient sees them. They can rest easy knowing that private texts won’t be seen by unauthorised parties thanks to this.
