Facebook Messenger users will now be notified whenever someone screenshots a disappearing message in encrypted chats.
Parent company Meta said it will be rolling out the feature over the next few weeks to help users "feel safe".
End-to-end encryption is an opt-in function, now extended to group chats and calls, aimed at improving privacy on the platform.
Disappearing messages are automatically removed from chats 12 hours after they have been read and can be activated in settings, reports the Daily Star.
This is separate to "vanish mode" on Messenger and Instagram, which deletes messages as soon as the chat window is closed. Both now feature the screenshot notification function.
Posting on Facebook, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said: "New update for end-to-end encrypted Messenger chats so you get a notification if someone screenshots a disappearing message.
"We're also adding GIFs, stickers, and reactions to encrypted chats too."
He then shared an exchange with his wife, Priscilla Chan, to demonstrate the new feature. In it, Zuckerberg sends a joke and is notified that "Priscilla took a screenshot" of their chat, to which she replies: "saving that one for later!"
The feature is similar to a long-standing Snapchat function, in which users can send transient messages and receive notifications if they are screenshotted.
Among the raft of software updates announced by Meta, replying and forwarding tools have now been added to encrypted chats.
Users will also be able to save media, edit videos, view verified badges and send GIFs, stickers and reactions in chat.
It said in a statement: "End-to-end encryption protects you and your data from hackers, criminals and other prying eyes.
"We hope these features elevate your private messaging experience as we continue to improve your encrypted conversations with friends and family."
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
