Facebook users should think twice before taking screenshots of their chats, as the platform now alerts the other party when this happens, according to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and founder of Facebook.

In a Facebook post from January 2022, Zuckerberg announced that Messenger users will receive notifications if someone takes a screenshot of their conversation. This new update specifically applies to end-to-end encrypted chats and is part of Facebook’s ongoing efforts to enhance user privacy and security.

“New update for end-to-end encrypted Messenger chats: You will get a notification if someone screenshots a disappearing message,” Zuckerberg shared in his post.

This feature comes after Facebook introduced disappearing messages on Messenger, which vanish from the chat window after a certain period. While this concept is not new and has been available on platforms like Snapchat for years, it’s now integrated into Facebook’s messaging service. Currently, this update is available for U.S. users, and it is expected to roll out to European users soon, according to The Independent.

Snapchat has long been known for its screenshot notification feature, and now Facebook is following suit. The addition of this tool to Messenger and Instagram—both owned by Meta—was reportedly driven by increasing security concerns. As privacy issues become more prevalent online, companies like Meta are seeking ways to protect users from potential risks, such as unauthorized screenshots of private conversations.

Despite the intended security benefits, Zuckerberg’s post sparked a wide range of responses, with over 94,000 comments from users. Many users pointed out that there are several ways to bypass the screenshot notification feature, raising doubts about its effectiveness.

One user commented, “Screen recorder will do, I guess,” referring to the ability to use a screen recording function instead of taking a screenshot.

Another person added, “What if someone uses another mobile phone to take a picture of the conversation?”

Others agreed, with one remarking, “Now we’ll just use a second phone to capture the chat instead of taking a screenshot.”

Another user shared a more detailed workaround: “Turn off your Wi-Fi and data, take the screenshot, then turn them back on. You’ll keep messaging like a hero.”

While some users are trying to outsmart the feature, others expressed frustration that Facebook was prioritizing updates like this over more pressing matters. One user commented, “I have to say, what you’ve accomplished IS super cool. However… I wish the same energy was put into making REAL LIFE better for humanity instead of the virtual one. Nothing will ever be better than human-to-human connection & interaction.”

It’s clear that Facebook’s screenshot notification feature is a step forward in enhancing privacy on its platforms, but it has also raised questions about its practicality and whether the company is addressing the right priorities.