After bringing Face ID to its mobile app in 2019, WhatsApp is now introducing biometric authentication to its web or desktop version.
Up until now, in order to link your WhatsApp user account to the browser or desktop version of the app, all you had to do is scan a QR code on your screen. Soon, however, you’ll be required to use biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID to do this.
Related | WhatsApp Is Giving Users Until May 15 To Accept Its New Data Sharing Policy
Essentially, the process will be getting more secure, in the sense that anyone with access to your phone could easily connect WhatsApp on their device. The new biometric requirement will be turned on by default on all iPhones running iOS 14 and includes the option to set up with either Touch ID or Face ID.
If, for any reason, you do not use either on your device, the account linking process will work the same way it has so far.
If you’re worried that WhatsApp might be able to get a hold of your biometric information, you needn’t. Touch ID and Face ID are processes that only take place on your device. The new process just makes it possible to further secure the linking process.
According to a WhatsApp spokesperson, the new feature will be rolling out on compatible devices in the next few weeks. The same should apply to any Android devices that use biometric authentication as well, but we don’t have any information about that right now.
You might also like
More from WhatsApp
WhatsApp Tests Access Through Multiple Devices
WhatsApp is rolling out a limited public beta test allowing support for multiple devices without the need of having a …
WhatsApp Rolls Out A Spanish-Language Vaccine Finder In The US
The WhatsApp Vaccine Finder is part of the “National Month of Action” initiative to get 70% of Americans at least …
WhatsApp Won’t Limit App Functionality If You Don’t Accept Its New Privacy Policy
WhatsApp now says it won't limit app functionality if you decide not to accept its controversial new privacy policy.
WhatsApp Will Not Delete Your Account If You Do Not Accept Its New Privacy Policy
WhatsApp won't delete accounts if users don't accept its new privacy policy. It will, instead, gradually limit the app's functionality.
WhatsApp Photos And Videos In Chats Will No Longer Be Cropped
WhatsApp photos and videos will now be shown in full in message threads thanks to a small but useful update …
WhatsApp Is Working On Messages That Disappear After 24 Hours
According to reports, WhatsApp is now working on a new feature that lets you send messages that disappear automatically after …
WhatsApp Is Working On New Self-Destructing Images Feature
After launching disappearing messages last year, WhatsApp is now working on images that self-destruct when you leave a chat.
WhatsApp Adds 1-To-1 Voice And Video Calls To Desktop
WhatsApp is adding a 1-to-1 voice and video call feature to WhatsApp on desktop. Group calls could follow soon.
Telegram Now Lets You Move Your Chat History From Other Apps
Here's how to move your chat history from WhatsApp and other apps to your new Telegram account.
