WhatsApp’s upcoming disappearing photos feature may not work in some countries

KEY STORY

• WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature that would allow users to send disappearing photos and videos. We have seen a similar feature on Instagram but as per the latest reports, users will not be allowed to send disappearing photos to users in Europe.

• WhatsApp is trying to get the Instagram feature on its app soon but it may not roll out the feature in Europe because of some laws.

• As per Wabetainfo, Instagram users will no longer be able to send disappearing photos and videos on the app in Europe. This could happen due to the new messaging rules set by the European government.

• “Disappearing photos and videos cannot be sent anymore on Instagram, because of new rules for messaging services in Europe.WhatsApp was developing the same feature, but I don’t know if it will be available in Europe,” the report read.

• The Wabetainfo has shared a screenshot of a pop-up message that says that the disappearing photos cannot be sent because of new rules for messaging service in Europe.

• WhatsApp had rolled out the disappearing messages feature in 2020. The feature lets users send temporary messages to their contacts that will vanish after a time period of 7 days.

• This is an opt-in feature, you will get it if you switch the mode on. WhatsApp was planning a similar feature for photos and videos as well. The feature was spotted by Wabetainfo in the beta updates of the app.

• “WhatsApp is working on self-destructing photos in a future update for iOS and Android. Self-destructing photos cannot be exported from WhatsApp.WhatsApp didn’t implement a screenshot detection for self-destructing photos yet. The same concept from Instagram Direct,” the report read.

CONCLUSION

• The pictures that are sent when the disappearing messages mode is on cannot be saved. The pictures or videos can only be played or viewed once, you cannot even view them again if you wish to.

• The pictures cannot be exported either. You can take a screenshot though because WhatsApp has not tested the screenshot detection feature yet. Users can also use another device to click a picture of the picture if need be.

• Like most features, this feature too is under development. WhatsApp does not seem to roll out a stable version of the feature anytime soon. However, even if it does, it will struggle to see the light of the day due to the new rules in Europe.