Instagram to alert users for Stories captured through screenshots

Instagram is testing a feature that will let you know if someone has taken a screenshot of your story. The photo-sharing platform is also warning users that the next time they try to save someone else’s story, that person will be informed of the same.

Stories automatically self-destruct after 24 hours, unless of course, one decides to add them to the ‘Story Highlights’ section on their profile. But, the screenshot and screen-recording function essentially allow one to make permanent copies of the post if they want to.

In a statement provided to TechCrunch Instagram acknowledged the test, saying “we are always testing ways to improve the experience on Instagram and make it easier to share any moment with the people who matter to you.” Instagram is likely using this test to see if the feature has any noticeable impact on engagement, before deciding whether or not they’ll roll it out to all users. For example, there’s a chance that some users may end up watching less stories over time if they aren’t able to take screenshots without notifying the creator.

Though the feature is still in development stage, it is a welcome step to enhance privacy on the Facebook-owned platform. Rival Snapchat already offers a similar feature on its platform.