WhatsApp has already introduced ephemeral messages for some time, i.e. those that are automatically deleted after a certain period of time. And now the beta testers of the app on Android have started trying the View Once mode, which deletes photos and videos right after they are viewed. According to what was reported by WABetaInfo, there will be a button dedicated to the function in the form of a timer.
Not to be confused with the aforementioned disappearing messages, which are deleted within seven days, photos and videos sent using View Once mode are single use - and vanish after being closed. The person who sent them will be notified once the media files have been viewed. While the new mode being tested is an interesting tool to further protect privacy, there are some things that don't add up. As specified by WABetaInfo, disabling read receipts will not prevent others from being notified if the single-use message has been opened (but those with read receipts disabled will not receive notifications when the sent message is read). In groups, users will be able to see when other members have opened ephemeral files even if they have disabled read receipts. Also, there's nothing stopping people from taking a screenshot of a View Once message without the user who sent it knowing.
IOS device owners will reportedly get the new mode at a later date. Facebook announced the feature in June, in the wake of its update to WhatsApp's privacy policies (it backed down on its decision to limit green chat features to those who accept the changes). The company described ephemeral messaging as a way to encourage more authentic and intimate conversations.