WhatsApp currently offers end-to-end encryption for messages shared on its platform. The Facebook-owned instant messaging platform was previously reported to encrypt chat backups in the cloud. The feature, as per a report by WaBetaInfo, is available in the latest WhatsApp beta.
WhatsApp has rolled out the Android beta version for 2.21.15.5 that brings end-to-end encrypted backups. Enabling the feature will allow users to protect chat history and media backup from unauthorized access.
How does the encryption work?
A user will need to choose a password that will be used to encrypt future backups. The password will be needed when you restore a backup. It can contain numeric digits and lowercase letters between ‘a’ and ‘f’.
The feature, however, will have a caveat. If a user forgets the password or loses the 64-digit recovery key, then he/she will be locked away permanently. In this case, even WhatsApp can’t help one get in.
WaBetaInfo report says that the password will be private and will not be shared with WhatsApp, Facebook, Google or Apple.
As mentioned above, the feature is currently available for WhatsApp beta Android users. Those interested can enrol in the beta test group to try this new feature. Else, one can wait for the feature to be available for everyone.
Meanwhile, the social messalging platform has rolled out a multi-device support feature. It is now live as an opt-in beta program and allows one to use their phone and up to four other non-phone devices simultaneously. The feature will enable one to use WhatsApp on other devices even if the phone’s battery is dead. In order to link devices, WhatsApp users will be required to scan a QR code from their phone. “This process now requires biometric authentication before linking where people have enabled this feature on compatible devices,” said WhatsApp in a statement.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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