If you're using WhatsApp, the popular messaging app known for its end-to-end encryption and massive user base of over two billion, you might want to be cautious about a recent privacy issue.
WhatsApp has a feature called "View Once" which allows users to send photos and videos that are supposed to disappear right after being viewed
Bug Discovered in Web App
However, a recent bug discovered in WhatsApp's web application has raised concerns.
This glitch allows malicious users to bypass the "View Once" feature, letting them display and save photos and videos that should vanish immediately after viewing.
The "View Once" feature was introduced in 2021 and is designed to work only on WhatsApp's mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Warning Message and Privacy Protections
Typically, when a user receives a "View Once" photo or video on the desktop or web app, they are warned that it can only be opened on WhatsApp's mobile app.
Additionally, WhatsApp's mobile apps prevent users from taking screenshots or recording screens of "View Once" media
Security Researcher Reveals the Issue
Tal Be’ery, a security researcher who has been delving into WhatsApp privacy issues, recently exposed this bug.
In a blog post, Be’ery detailed his findings and provided a live demonstration showing how he could save a "View Once" image while using WhatsApp on the web.
Be’ery emphasized that this vulnerability creates a false sense of security for users who believe their communications are private when they might not be.
WhatsApp's Response
Be’ery reported the bug to WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, through its official bug bounty platform on August 26.
In response, WhatsApp spokesperson Zade Alsawah stated that updates to the "View Once" feature on the web are in progress.
Alsawah also advised users to only send "View Once" messages to people they know and trust.
Ongoing Discussions and Workarounds
Interestingly, Be’ery is not alone in discovering this issue. There are various browser extensions and social media discussions that detail ways to bypass the "View Once" feature on WhatsApp's web app.
However, we’re not linking to these resources to avoid assisting anyone who might exploit the bug. WhatsApp has yet to provide a specific timeline for when these updates will be fully rolled out.
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