WhatsApp's new 'authentication' feature may take away your screenshot privileges

With every new beta update, WhatsApp brings a host of new features to make the app more functional and easy to use. While some of these introductions – like the much-anticipated dark mode or an authentication feature – successfully stir curiosity, some others end up being at the centre of a debate.

Much like the latest functionality that the Facebook-owned company is said to be working on for its biometric authentication option.

Also Read: Want to protect your chats? This WhatsApp feature will soon add an extra layer of security

The last time we talked about this authentication option – first spotted by WABetaInfo, the website tracking all WhatsApp-related updates and news – we reported that the feature was in testing mode. And that once it was enabled, it would allow users to lock the messaging app using the fingerprint sensor of their smartphones.  

But - there's a catch. WABetaInfo reported that enabling this fingerprint authentication feature could effectively block a user from taking screenshots of the chats.

“In this beta update we find a new improvements for the Authentication feature (that’s not available yet),” the blog stated, “When the Authentication feature will be enabled, your fingerprint is obviously required to open WhatsApp, but conversation screenshots are blocked. It means you won’t be longer able to screenshot your chats if you enable that feature.”

Although the global messaging platform has not officially rolled out the feature for its larger user base, the report has already garnered mixed responses on social media.

“So does it mean I cannot take screenshots if I enable authentication feature? Pls correct me if was wrong in understanding,” a twitter user wrote.

Besides the block screenshot functionality, WhatsApp is also working on improving the user interface for its Doodle feature. And this included addition of a search option and categorising into ‘Stickers’ and ‘Emoji’.

Also Read: Two new features from WhatsApp will help you track messages that are "popular"