Facebook-owned messaging platform WhatsApp will add an additional layer of security where users will be able to link their WhatsApp account on mobile phones to their computers.
WhatsApp customers will be asked to use face or fingerprint unlock on phone, before scanning a QR code from the phone to link your device in order to link WhatsApp Web or Desktop to your WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp in a statement said that it will be rolling out the security update for linking devices out, alongside a visual redesign to the WhatsApp Web page on phones, to users with compatible devices over the coming weeks.
“We’re putting even more security into WhatsApp Web and desktop, adding an additional layer of protection when you want to link your WhatsApp account to your computer,” WhatsApp said in a statement.
The move will limit the chance that a housemate or office colleague can link devices to your WhatsApp account without you.
WhatsApp’s existing security measures include a pop up notice in smartphone whenever a Web / Desktop login occurs, and the ability to unlink devices from your phone at any time.
WhatsApp said the face and fingerprint authentication takes place on your device in a privacy preserving manner — by design.
WhatsApp said it cannot access the biometric information stored by your device’s operating system.
The move comes at a time when WhatsApp is facing immense backlash in India over its upcoming privacy policy.
In mid-January, it was found that WhatsApp on Desktop (Web) application was allegedly exposing personal mobile numbers via indexing on Google Search. The indexed WhatsApp group chat links have now been removed from Google.