WhatsApp warning over new update that lets friends see everything on your screen

14 August 2023 , 21:24

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Mark Zuckerberg debuting the new WhatsApp screen sharing feature

Messaging giant WhatsApp have rolled out a wave of updates and new features over recent months and years.

From letting users lock certain chats they’d rather keep private, to editing that misspelt message, or reacting with an emoji, the Meta-owned platform has overhauled its services.

However, it isn’t stopping there. One new feature was recently announced and is just around the corner. This one will let your friends see everything on your screen.

The company announced the major feature last week, calling it ‘Screen Share’. It means your WhatsApp contacts can view everything on your phone screen - however it isn’t as intimidating as it perhaps sounds.

‘Screen Share’ is aimed at allowing users to show their friends what websites they’re on, what documents they’re viewing, and even other apps. The feature mirrors that which several other major platforms and tech companies already have, such as Zoom, Apple’s FaceTime, Google Meet and Microsoft Meet.

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In a press release, WhatsApp owners, Meta said: “Whether sharing documents for work, browsing photos with family, planning a vacation or shopping online with friends, or just helping grandparents with tech support – screen sharing lets you share a live view of your screen during the call.”

Mark Zuckerberg, owner of Meta, also shared a picture of him using the update. Users will soon see a ‘Share’ icon on their app in the coming weeks. Once they press it, it will give them the choice of sharing their entire screen or just part of it.

Another update was also that WhatsApp users can video call in landscape now as well - improving on a feature they first introduced back in 2016. Then, introducing the feature to let users send short 60-second video messages, Meta said: “Voice messages on WhatsApp changed the way people communicate by providing a quick and secure way to share your voice. We’re excited to build on this feature with new instant video messages. Now you can record and share short personal videos directly in the chat.”

Kieren Williams