Facebook are giving people more control over their profile pictures, making them safer from the hands of catfish.
The company has launched two new features starting in India which aims to reduce misuse of profile pictures – i.e. to stop people catfishing by giving users control over who can download and share their profile pictures.
Facebook’s two new features include ‘profile picture guard’ and ‘profile picture design’.
Profile picture guard takes away means of copying photos, e.g., people will no longer be able to download, share or send the profile picture as a message on Facebook.
In addition, Facebook say they are ‘exploring ways people can more easily add designs’ to profile pictures – such as graphics, which their research shows lessens the chance of others using it.
So what can people expect?
Facebook say:
1) Other people will no longer be able to download, share or send your profile picture in a message on Facebook.
2) People you’re not friends with on Facebook won’t be able to tag anyone, including themselves, in your profile picture.
3) Where possible, we’ll prevent others from taking a screenshot of your profile picture on Facebook, which is currently available only on Android devices.
4) We’ll display a blue border and shield around your profile picture as a visual cue of protection.
The new safety feature is expected to be expanded worldwide soon.
That’ll cut down on some of the catfishing.
