Meta has announced the release of a new View Once feature for WhatsApp, enabling users to send time-sensitive content on their desktop and web platforms. The update was first discovered by WABetaInfo, and although Meta has not made a formal announcement, it is essentially the same feature that was previously introduced on the mobile version of WhatsApp in 2022.
The View Once feature ensures that pictures or videos sent to contacts cannot be saved and are automatically deleted after being viewed. According to WhatsApp’s Help Center, recipients have 14 days to open the media or it will be automatically deleted. It also eliminates the possibility of taking screenshots of temporary content, but this restriction only applies if the recipient has the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
There are plans to address some of the privacy gaps in the feature, but for now, Meta recommends sending content only to trusted individuals to mitigate any potential risk. The update is currently being rolled out in waves and is available to both Windows and macOS users.
Sending a View Once photo is easy, and users can activate the feature by clicking a specific icon before sending the picture. However, there are some limitations to be aware of, such as the inability to send multiple temporary images at once and the requirement to stay within the interface to rewatch temporary videos.
As the update continues to be released, users are advised to keep an eye out for the patch when it becomes available. Finally, TechRadar has an official WhatsApp channel, where users can get the latest reviews sent right to their phone.
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