The popular Facebook-owned WhatsApp platform, with more than 2 billion users, has rolled out a new feature.
Previously, the company has included numerous features too in order to improve practicality, such as the function of paying for goods and services.
However, the brand new feature by WhatsApp, which was launched on 28th January, is known as Whatsapp biometric authentication.
This feature was introduced after WhatsApp received harsh criticism and lost users when it changed the way to use data.
Ever since then, WhatsApp has been modifying the privacy and security settings to satisfy its users.
Whatsapp biometric authentication serves the purpose of maximizing security by bringing a new authentication layer. This feature is applicable to both web and desktop versions.
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How does WhatsApp Web Biometric Authentication Work?
The new addition to WhatsApp is perfect for those who prefer using the messaging app on web and desktop versions.
WhatsApp will allow the users to use their iris, fingerprint, or facial scan to use the app on the web or desktop version.
This feature is a part of the “visual refresh” scheme of the company. The new biometric login to stay connected to WhatsApp on different devices will use either the face, iris or fingerprint info.
The extra measure of authentication to link the WhatsApp account to the computer web browser or desktop app asks verification of identity by fingerprint, iris, or face recognition.
Afterward, users will have to do a QR code scanning via the mobile. When this two-layer of authentication is done, WhatsApp users can read and send messages on the computers.
In order to remain logged in after linking devices, WhatsApp users can check a box beside the “Keep me signed in” which is on the QR screen of the computer. This will keep the WhatsApp web active.
The extra layer of security is introduced so that if anyone else has taken access to the mobile, they can’t link the account to the WhatsApp web browser.
The WhatsApp web biometric authentication will automatically start working on all iPhone devices having iOS 14 with Face ID or Touch ID.
As for Android users, enabling biometric authentication will initiate the feature by default.
Moreover, this security feature does not gather fingerprints, facial scans or any biometric information in the device’s operating system.
Instead, WhatsApp will be using the same biometric info APIs as all other apps do to gain the on-device security system.
Response to the Feature
The WhatsApp web biometric authentication is another step towards making the app more feature consistent between the engagement with the service and its flagship mobile applications.
With the prevalence of the epidemic, it is an innovative idea to add functionality for the web and desktop users.
The USA TODAY revealed the statement of a WhatsApp spokesperson:
“As people increasingly use WhatsApp web and desktop to communicate privately with their friends and family, we wanted to introduce an additional security protection to provide peace of mind to users.”
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