California (Web Desk): Popular messaging application WhatsApp is preparing to fulfil a long-standing user demand by introducing a new feature that will allow text messages to disappear automatically after being viewed once.
In August 2021, WhatsApp introduced the ‘View Once’ feature to maintain the privacy of photos and videos and save the app’s storage space. Under this facility, a photo or video disappears from the chat after being opened once. However, the feature is now being expanded to include text messages as well.
According to a report by technology website WABetaInfo, this facility has been introduced in a new test version of the Android app. Under the feature, beta users will be able to send text messages that automatically disappear after being viewed once by the recipient.
Through this feature, users will be able to share passwords, credit card details and other sensitive information, while also helping ensure that such information remains protected. When WhatsApp introduced View Once, it had also stated that the feature could be used to send images containing Wi-Fi access details and other sensitive information.
WhatsApp already offers a facility through which messages automatically disappear after a specified period. However, the new View Once feature will apply to an individual message rather than an entire conversation.
According to the report, once the recipient opens and reads the message, it will automatically disappear. It will not be possible to copy, forward or save the message, while taking a screenshot of it will also not be permitted.