WhatsApp to Require Face ID or Touch ID When Linking Accounts to Web and Desktop Apps
WhatsApp will soon require biometric authentication to link a WhatsApp account to a computer web browser or desktop app, reports The Verge.
The mobile app uses a QR code to link a user account to a web browser or desktop app, but the company wants to make the process more secure so that it can't be done by anyone who happens to gain access to your iPhone.
The new system will be enabled by default on iPhones running iOS 14 with either Touch ID or Face ID, meaning you'll have to authenticate to link your account unless you've disabled the biometric features on your device, in which case the account linking process will work as usual.
It's worth pointing out that the biometric authentication is an on-device process on iPhones, therefore WhatsApp (and Apple, for that matter) has no access to your biometric information. WhatsApp is simply making the change so that it's harder for someone else to link your account to a web browser or desktop app, which would allow them to see any messages you send or receive.
WhatsApp told The Verge that the new update will roll out for compatible iPhones in the coming weeks.
Popular Stories
Popular Meta chat app WhatsApp today gained guest calling, a feature that lets users invite anyone to join a voice or video call, even if the invitee doesn't have a WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp says everyone has access to free, end-to-end encrypted calls with no time limits and support for up to 32 people at once.
A guest joining a call needs permission from the call host, and guests will...
WhatsApp is developing an optional in-app browser for its iPhone app that would let users open any link shared in chats without leaving the app, according to WABetaInfo.
A new "In-app browser" option under Settings and Chats would let users enable the feature or continue opening links in their default browser. Users would also be able to clear cookies, cache, and other browsing data. The...
In a memo shared with Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week, and later obtained by MacRumors, Apple provided technicians with guidance on how to diagnose and address the iPhone Duo's inner display cracking issue.
If a customer reports the issue, Apple advised technicians to inspect the iPhone Duo and repair or replace it in accordance with their standard procedures....
