New Delhi: WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new privacy feature that could allow users to send text messages that can be viewed only once. The move is expected to extend the platform’s existing “view-once” functionality—currently available for photos, videos, and audio—to plain text messages.
The development, first reported by WABetaInfo, suggests that the feature is still under development and was spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (2.26.22.7), available via the Google Play Store. While there is no official confirmation or release timeline yet, the feature signals the company’s continued push towards enhancing user privacy.
How the view-once feature works
The “view-once” feature is designed to provide an additional layer of control over shared content. Currently, when users send media files such as images, videos, or voice notes using this option, the recipient can view them only once. After being opened, the content disappears and cannot be saved, forwarded, or easily captured via screenshots.
If extended to text messages, the feature would function in a similar manner. According to reports, users may be able to activate the option by long-pressing the send button, which would open a menu with multiple sending options. Selecting “Send as view once” would ensure that the text message disappears after being read.
This could be particularly useful for sharing sensitive information such as passwords, one-time passcodes (OTPs), or confidential details that users may not want stored in chat history.
Enhanced privacy focus by Meta
The reported feature reflects Meta’s ongoing efforts to strengthen privacy features within WhatsApp, even as debates continue around data handling and encryption policies across its platforms.
Unlike some other platforms under Meta’s umbrella, WhatsApp continues to emphasise end-to-end encryption for personal chats, ensuring that messages remain accessible only to the sender and recipient. The addition of a view-once option for text messages would further enhance this privacy framework by limiting message visibility.
Spoiler messages also in development
In addition to the view-once feature, WhatsApp is also reportedly testing another privacy-focused tool known as “spoiler messages.” This feature is expected to allow users to send text that appears blurred or hidden until the recipient taps on it.
Such a feature could be useful not only for protecting sensitive information but also for avoiding accidental exposure of personal or confidential content in public settings.
Together, these updates suggest a broader strategy by WhatsApp to give users greater control over how their messages are viewed and stored.
What it means for users
If rolled out, the view-once text feature could significantly change how users interact on the platform, particularly in situations where privacy is critical. It would reduce the risk of sensitive messages being stored indefinitely or shared without consent.
However, experts note that while such features improve privacy, they are not foolproof. Users should still exercise caution when sharing highly sensitive information, as workarounds such as external recording devices may still pose risks.
Conclusion
While the feature is still in development and not yet available to beta testers, its potential introduction highlights WhatsApp’s continued focus on privacy innovation. By expanding view-once functionality to text messages and experimenting with features like spoiler messages, the platform aims to offer users more control over their digital conversations. A wider rollout, if confirmed, is likely to follow after testing phases in upcoming updates.