Facebook Messenger users will soon be alerted if someone takes a screenshot of a disappearing message, as part of a new update designed to improve user privacy.
The update was shared by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who said the change would apply to chats that use end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages.
In a recent post, Zuckerberg demonstrated the feature using a conversation with his wife, showing that Messenger will now send a notification when a screenshot is taken. The feature mirrors what apps like Snapchat already offer, reinforcing Meta’s ongoing push to enhance privacy across its messaging platforms.
Messenger’s disappearing message option, similar to features on WhatsApp and Instagram, allows users to send messages that automatically vanish after a certain period. This tool is being paired with stronger encryption and now the added warning about screenshots. The aim is to give users more control over how their conversations are viewed and shared.
The update has already started rolling out in the United States and is expected to expand to European users soon. Meta says this is part of its larger plan to improve privacy on its platforms, especially as debates continue around online safety, digital rights, and the limits of surveillance.
In addition to the screenshot notification, Meta is also bringing more interactive elements to encrypted chats, including GIFs, stickers, and emoji reactions. These changes are designed to make private chats feel just as lively and engaging as standard Messenger conversations.
Not all users are excited about the updates. Some responded to Zuckerberg’s announcement with skepticism, questioning the priorities of social media platforms and asking when long-requested features like a “dislike” button might appear. Others called for greater attention to the societal impacts of social media itself.
Despite the mixed reactions, Meta is continuing its shift toward tighter user protections. The new screenshot alerts will also extend to Instagram, offering users across Meta’s apps more awareness when private content is captured.
The move reflects growing expectations from users for transparency and privacy in digital communications. With concerns about surveillance, data misuse, and online safety still prominent, Meta is positioning Messenger as a more secure platform—while also trying to stay competitive with rival apps that have long featured similar privacy tools.