WhatsApp is testing a new feature called “Passkeys” on its Android beta app, aiming to simplify and strengthen the security of encrypted backups. Passkeys will let users unlock their backups using biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition, eliminating the need to memorize complex passwords or 64-digit encryption keys.
This move addresses the challenge of users being locked out of their backups due to forgotten passwords. The passkey,stored securely in a password manager, offers an additional layer of protection.
Currently under development, the passkey feature has been spotted in the WhatsApp Android beta version 2.24.18.13 but hasn’t been released publicly yet. It’s currently accessible to a limited group of beta testers.
WhatsApp’s ongoing development efforts also include features like marking all unread chats as read, AR effects and filters for video calls, and PIN protection for new message requests, all aimed at improving user experience and security.
The introduction of Passkeys demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to making encrypted backups more accessible and secure, further enhancing the privacy and data protection of its users.
