[ad_1]
WhatsApp is introducing biometric authentication to link your smartphone to a new device, to use its web or desktop versions.
The instant messaging service tweeted that the new security feature would require users to verify their identity using fingerprint and face unlock when linking devices.
Currently, users only need to use their smartphone to scan a QR code generated by the secondary device, to link their WhatsApp account between both devices.
Today we started to implement a new security feature for WhatsApp Web and Desktop: fingerprint and face unlock when linking devices.
WhatsApp doesn’t see your face or fingerprint data.
Chats for your unique https://t.co/qR3zsexzfj pic.twitter.com/Ei5G35MPpA
– WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 28, 2021
With the new feature, users will be asked to verify their biometrics on the smartphone, before pairing the devices.
WhatsApp assured that it does not see the facial or fingerprint data of the users.
The FAQ further explained that the authentication was handled by the device’s operating system using the biometric data stored there.
“WhatsApp cannot access the biometric information stored by your device’s operating system,” he said.
The move to introduce more security comes after intense public scrutiny of its new privacy policy and terms, where it could share some user data with parent company Facebook.
Later, he delayed the implementation of the new terms, from February 8 to May 15, and claimed that the update would not affect personal conversations, which would continue to have end-to-end encryption.
However, the news prompted users to opt in droves for competing messaging apps, including Telegram and Signal.
[ad_2]
