WhatsApp Web Introducing New Security Features

Facebook owned encrypted messaging service WhatsApp is introducing new security features for its web version, according to a tweet by the company.

According to the details, WhatsApp Web will now require biometric authentication, including face or fingerprint unlock when linking devices.

“Today we’re starting to roll out a new security feature for WhatsApp Web and Desktop: face and fingerprint unlock when linking devices,”

“WhatsApp does not see your face or fingerprint data. Chats for your eyes only,” the company confirmed in the tweet.

According to WhatsApp, the authentication is handled by the smartphone’s operating system (Android or iOS) while using the biometrics stored in the device. This is similar to using some banking applications which support these security features, which means the the messaging application does not get any of that data.

Many people have been concerned about their privacy after WhatsApp revealed its new privacy policy, which the company had to postpone implementing until May after the outrage on social media regarding the decision.

Facebook owned WhatsApp did explain the new terms and conditions saying they only impacted users contacting with businesses on the platform and doesn’t affect private chats, which remain encrypted and promised that it will not change.

However, many users have been shifting to other messaging platforms with Telegram and Signal getting the most users after WhatsApp announced the updated privacy policy.

It is pertinent to mention that despite the sketchy reputation of Telegram, the messaging application Signal remains the most secure according to several cyber security experts, which we explained in our earlier post regarding the subject.

Read more: WhatsApp vs Signal – Which is more secure?

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