WhatsApp`s cancelled feature returns to the web version

Popular messaging application WhatsApp brings back the "view once" feature, which allows one-time viewing of media files, to the desktop. The feature, which was previously discontinued, has started to be made available to general use.

For those who missed it, the view once feature, which was first introduced in 2021, allows the media files (photos, videos and GIFs) you choose to be viewed once. Previously, this feature  could be accessed from WhatsApp Web and PC application. However, it was capped in November 2022 due to privacy concerns.

When you want to access the feature from the WhatsApp Web or desktop application, you will see "You have received a message that will disappear after being viewed once." "For added privacy, you can only open this message on your phone." You would encounter a warning.

Now, the latest developments show that WhatsApp has taken a step back from this decision. According to WABetaInfo's report, the "view once" feature has started to appear again in WhatsApp Web and Desktop applications . However, no announcement has been shared on WhatsApp yet. WABetaInfo says that the feature has already reached some users using the latest version of WhatsApp Web. In any case, we will have to wait a while longer for it to be available for general use.