A NEW Facebook update means that people you are speaking to on Messenger are alerted if you screenshot the chat.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg warned users last week that the messaging app will now send a note saying “(Person) took a screenshot” if you are using the end-to-end encrypted message option.
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“New update for end-to-end encrypted Messenger chats so you get a notification if someone screenshots a disappearing message,” Zuckerberg said, alongside a screenshot of a conversation with his wife Priscilla Chan.
“We’re also adding GIFs, stickers, and reactions to encrypted chats too.”
It is an attempt from Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to improve privacy on its messaging apps.
Meta said that it “adds extra security and protection to your messages” by ensuring that only two people involved in the chat can access its content.
“We think it’s important that you are able to use encrypted chats and feel safe, so we want to keep you informed if anyone takes screenshots of your disappearing messages,” Meta said in a press release.
“No one can read your messages or hear your calls except the people who have these special keys – not even Facebook.
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“This is the same feature we offer in Messenger’s vanish mode, and now we’re rolling out this notification over the next few weeks for disappearing messages in our end-to-end encrypted chats,” it added.
The screenshot notification can be turned off at any point by either user.
They will need to switch the settings of the message from encrypted to regular messaging.
Meta warned that this could lessen your security and privacy, however.
“We know the importance of safety and privacy when it comes to communicating with the people who matter most to you,” Facebook said.
“End-to-end encryption protects you and your data from hackers, criminals, and other prying eyes.”
Also included in the latest update, Meta said that it is “making the verified badge available for end-to-end encrypted chats to help you identify authentic accounts and have meaningful interactions.”
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It will also introduce typing indicators in chats and the ability to pass along messages to friends and family.
The latest update on screenshots comes after Facebook introduced the option to allow your messages to disappear.
The update will apply to Instagram as well, which Meta also owns.
Vanish mode makes messages disappear after they are seen by the recipient and that person leaves the chat.
“We designed vanish mode with safety and choice in mind, so you control your experience,” said Bridget Pujals, Messenger Product Manager, and Manik Singh, Instagram Product Manager, in a statement.
The option is only available on Android, iPhone, and iPad devices.
Facebook’s rivals such as Snapchat already offer disappearing messages and send a notification when a screenshot is taken.
Whatsapp, which is also owned by Meta, already used end-to-end encryption.
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