WhatsApp is working on a way to let users send text messages that can only be viewed once, similar to the functionality already available for photos, videos and voice notes.
According to WABetaInfoAfter typing a message in the chat bar, users will be able to select a new option “Send as seen once” by long-pressing the Send button. When the message is sent, the recipient will be able to open the message once and read it before it disappears.
This means that the recipient will not be able to copy, forward or share the message after receiving it. WhatsApp will also block screenshots and screen recordings to prevent content from being retained in any form.
The feature, which is still in development, would be available on individual chats and groups, but it will not be available on channels, where ephemeral messages are not suitable. WhatsApp is also developing this feature for Android phones.
WABetaInfo notes that the new feature will be welcomed by users who currently use a workaround by adding text to an image and sending it as single-view media.
The option follows another feature that appeared in beta a few weeks ago that makes disappearing messages based on a countdown that only starts after they are read. The feature has not yet been rolled out more widely.
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