ISLAMABAD — Meta instant messaging application WhatsApp continues to roll out new features, but a recent revelations about update shocked everyone.
The critical security flaw in WhatsApp’s “View Once” feature raised questions about the privacy of its two billion users.
WhatsApp View Once feature was announced to ensure that messages disappear after being viewed and cannot be forwarded, saved, or captured in screenshot, but is now under scrutiny after a recent discovery revealed that it can be easily bypassed.
Cyber security expert Tal Be’ery uncovered the vulnerability, allowing users to view and save “View Once” messages on desktop and browser platforms, despite the feature being intended solely for mobile use.
Currently, when accessing the feature on non-mobile platforms, users encounter a message, “You received a view once message. For added privacy, you can only open it on your phone.” However, Be’ery’s findings suggest that this protection can be bypassed. “The worst privacy issue is not the lack of privacy but the illusion of it,” he said.
WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ feature creates a misleading sense of security and needs either a thorough fix or removal.”
The tech giant reportedly acknowledged the glitch and is working on updates to address the vulnerability on web platforms.
