WhatsApp Rolls Out View Once Text Messages to Android Beta Testers, Enhancing Privacy
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a 'View Once' feature for text messages to Android beta testers running version 2.26.45.6. This new functionality allows users to send text messages that disappear after the recipient views them, similar to the existing 'View Once' option for photos, videos, and voice notes. The feature addresses the need for sharing sensitive information, such as temporary Wi-Fi passwords or banking verification codes, without it lingering permanently in chat histories. To send a 'View Once' text, users type their message, then press and hold the send button to reveal a contextual menu where they can select the 'View Once' toggle. The message appears as a locked, interactive bubble, and once opened and dismissed by the recipient, it permanently erases itself from both sender and recipient devices. WhatsApp has implemented strict anti-capture protections, blocking Android screen capture and recording APIs, and disabling text selection, copying, or forwarding for these messages. This feature c...