New Delhi: WhatsApp is working on making the app more safer, the Facebook owned company is adding Biometric Authentication to WhatsApp Web and Desktop app. The move comes soon after the backlash the company recieved for a new update.
According to a press release sent to Android Authority, “In order to link WhatsApp Web or Desktop to your WhatsApp account you will now be asked to use your face or fingerprint unlock on your phone, before scanning a QR code from the phone to link your device.”
ALSO READ: Twitter Suspends Over 550 Accounts Engaged In Spam & Manipulation
The company revealed that biometric authentication (via face or fingerprint) will be conducted when linking devices to your account via QR code. There will no option which will allow users to opt for biometric authentication in lieu of scanning a code. The Facebook-owned team says this move will reduce the chance of a housemate or colleague linking a device to your account without your knowledge according to Andriod Authority.
According to The Verge report, this new system will be enabled by default on any iPhone devices running iOS 14 with either Touch ID or Face ID, and any Android devices that have biometric authentication enabled. Hence, users will have to use it to link their accounts unless they disable biometric authentication for their entire device. Users who don’t have a biometric authentication setup on their phone or it's turned off will be able to link their account as usual.
The new feature WhatsApp says and a redesign of WhatsApp Web for phones will be pushed out to users in “the coming weeks.”