WhatsApp is adding an extra layer of security to logging into WhatsApp Web on the computer. Users who have secured their phone with a fingerprint or facial scan should use it to log in to the Web version. The company announced this yesterday via Twitter.
WhatsApp's new security system will be enabled by default on iPhones running iOS 14 and Touch ID or Face ID. It will also feature Android phones that have biometric authentication enabled.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told NU.nl that users will be required to use the additional security layer. Only when a user completely disables scans on their phone can the new security layer be bypassed.
After the face or fingerprint scan, users will receive a QR code on their computer, just as they do now. Once they scan it, they can also use WhatsApp in their browser. The face and fingerprint scans will not be accessible to WhatsApp and parent company Facebook. The processing of this biometric data as authentication will only happen on the phone itself, WhatsApp said.
