Report: WhatsApp is working on a self-destructing images feature

WhatsApp users may still be up in arms about its upcoming privacy terms revision, but the app’s still working on adding privacy-focused features. Spotted by WABetaInfo, future WhatsApp builds on Android and iOS could gain a self-destructing images feature.

Detailed in a set of screenshots, the feature isn’t a novel idea. We’ve seen it on a number of alternative chat apps before.

As for functionality, the feature is reminiscent of Instagram Direct. Users can switch on the self-destructing feature per image by tapping a small button alongside the caption editor. Switching on the feature will ensure the image can’t be exported from WhatsApp, and that when a recipient leaves the chat the image will terminate. This button also houses a number — seemingly a self-destructing timer.

Adding to its utility, the feature will be available in both group and private chats. Image previews in chats will also be obfuscated until a recipient taps on the image to view it.

The addition comes after WhatsApp rolled out self-destructing messages in November 2020. But unlike the new images feature, self-destructing messages lack a few key privacy features. If these messages contain any media, the content’s saved to the recipient’s device. Self-destructing images at least adds another layer of privacy and gives senders a little more control over their media.

It’s unclear when self-destructing images will rollout, but WABetaInfo also notes that a screenshot ban for these images is also in the works.

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