Meta adds passkey encryption for WhatsApp chat backups

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) announced Thursday it is introducing passkey-encrypted chat backups for WhatsApp, allowing users to encrypt their backups using biometric authentication methods including fingerprints, facial recognition, or screen lock codes.

The feature eliminates the need for users to memorize passwords or 64-digit encryption keys when securing their chat backups. Users can access the encryption option by navigating to WhatsApp settings, selecting Chats, then Chat backup, and choosing End-to-end encrypted backup.

Meta stated that WhatsApp was the first private messaging service to launch end-to-end encrypted backups four years ago. The company said it will continue rolling out the passkey feature gradually over the coming weeks and months.

The enhancement builds on WhatsApp's existing end-to-end encryption capabilities for chat backups, which the company says helps keep user conversations private and secure.

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