WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new privacy feature that will allow users to send text messages that will disappear after being viewed once.

Text and Instant messaging

According to WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo, this feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for  Android version 2.26.22.7 and is still under development. It hasn't been released to beta testers yet, and there's no official timeline for its rollout.

If this feature arrives, it will enhance WhatsApp's existing View Once functionality, which is currently available for photos, videos, and voice messages. The new option will bring similar controls to text-based conversations, allowing users to share information without leaving a permanent record of the chat.

According to information revealed in the beta version, users can activate this feature while composing a message. Long-pressing the send button may reveal additional sending options, including a "Send as view once" option. Once the recipient opens the message, it will become inaccessible and disappear from the conversation.

This feature is expected to incorporate the privacy protections already in place for View Once media. Reports suggest that recipients will be unable to copy, forward, or share such messages. Screenshots and screen-recording restrictions are also being considered to prevent content from being saved or re-distributed.

This development comes as WhatsApp is exploring more privacy-focused tools. Another feature in the works is a "spoiler message," which would obscure selected text until the recipient taps to reveal it. This functionality could be useful for sharing passwords, verification codes, and other sensitive information in chats.

WhatsApp hasn't said when either feature will be available. If testing progresses as planned, the View Once text messaging option is expected to reach beta users before a wider release.

PC: Webwise.ie