Facebook Is Testing a Feature to Prevent Profile Pictures From Getting Stolen

A new feature is aimed at giving users peace of mind by securing their photo from stalkers.

June 22, 2017 9:38 am
new feature to prevent abuse of profile pictures in India
Facebook is testing a new feature to prevent abuse of profile pictures in India. (Facebook)

Facebook profiles will now be less friendly to cyber stalkers.

The social media company is trying out a feature to prevent profile picture theft. The new tool is being tested out in India, Facebook announced Thursday.

“Profile picture guard,” as the new measure’s been dubbed, includes a handful of different defense tactics designed to give users more control over their image, including disabling downloads and screenshots (a feature that’s only on Android for now). It also allows users to disable tagging other profiles in their picture, a common spamming technique.

Driven by feedback from Indian Facebook users, TechCrunch reports the company developed the tool because women were concerned with what may happen their photos without their permission or knowledge.

In fact, Facebook’s research found that “some women choose not to share profile pictures that include their faces anywhere on the internet”—not just social media.

With the picture guard turned on, profile photos have a blue border around them and small shield logo.

Facebook is testing the feature out in India for now, but says it could be available worldwide soon.

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