WhatsApp Adds Biometric Security Layer for Web 2n1o5 Desktop App Linking

Before s link their WhatsApp s to their computer, they will be asked to authenticate using fingerprint or Face ID. 4w2n3k

By Tasneem Akolawala | Updated: 28 January 2021 14:42 IST

WhatsApp Adds Biometric Security Layer for Web, Desktop App Linking

WhatsApp will be rolling out the new security layer in the coming weeks 55141c

Highlights

WhatsApp will also introduce a redesign for WhatsApp Web for phone
WhatsApp to use Face ID or fingerprint scanner, depending on the phone
WhatsApp says that it doesn’t store biometric information of the

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WhatsApp is adding another security layer for WhatsApp Web and desktop app linking and logging in. Before s link their WhatsApp s to their computer, they will be asked to authenticate using fingerprint or Face ID. This additional layer of security is aimed at preventing others from linking your WhatsApp to the computer without your presence. WhatsApp says that the face and fingerprint authentication takes place on the 's mobile phone in a privacy-preserving manner and WhatsApp cannot access the biometric information stored on the handset's operating system.

The company announced that it is adding an extra security layer on its mobile app to prevent unethical use of WhatsApp Web or desktop app to a WhatsApp , s will now be asked to use face or fingerprint unlock on the phone. Once this step is done, s can then access the QR code scanner from the phone that will then complete the linking process with the computer.

“This will limit the chance that a housemate or officemate (when we have those again) can link devices to your WhatsApp without you. This builds on our existing security measures today, which pop up a notice in your phone whenever a Web/Desktop occurs, and the ability to unlink devices from your phone at any time,” WhatsApp explains in an official release.

WhatsApp Treating Indians, Europeans Differently Is Concerning: Government

The app says that it does not store biometric information, and that – by design – it cannot access those details from a phone's operating system. WhatsApp says that this new security layer will be rolling out in the coming weeks. A visual redesign to WhatsApp Web pages on phones will also be introduced in the weeks to come.

WhatsApp was at the centre of a controversy regarding its update wherein it forced s to accept the new or ban usage if not accepted. This caused a huge uproar among s, pushing people to shift to other platforms like Signal and Telegram. The company has since withdrawn its update and has set a later date for it.

Does WhatsApp's new spell the end for your privacy? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, the episode, or just hit the play button below.

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