Login To WhatsApp Web Must Scan Fingerprint Or Face From Now

Login WhatsApp Web (doc. WhatsApp)

JAKARTA - Facebook has added a biometric authentication security feature on WhatsApp web. So users will be required to scan fingerprints or faces when linking accounts on WhatsApp web.

Later, users must scan their fingerprints and faces and then scan a QR code so they can enter and sync chats to Whatsapp Web. This applies to both Android and iOS phones.

"Today we are starting to release new security features for WhatsApp Web and Desktop: face and fingerprint scanners to open accounts when linked devices", WhatsApp wrote in its official statement, Friday, January 29.

According to Whatsapp, this is done as an additional layer of security to reduce the possibility of misuse of Whatsapp by third parties. This method is also considered to make it difficult for third parties to peek at Whatsapp messages on the desktop without the user's knowledge.

As reported by The Verge, this new system will be enabled by default on all iPhone devices running iOS 14 with Touch ID or Face ID, and any Android device that has biometric authentication enabled.

Today we're starting to roll out a new security feature for WhatsApp Web and Desktop: face and fingerprint unlock when linking devices. WhatsApp does not see your face or fingerprint data. Chats for your 👀 onlyhttps: //t.co/qR3zsexzfj pic.twitter.com/Ei5G35MPpA

- WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 28, 2021

However, WhatsApp users who don't have biometric authentication setup on their phones, or have disabled it, will be able to link their accounts as usual.

Apart from launching security updates, Whatsapp will also make a new Whatsapp Web appearance. This update will be available on compatible users' phones in the coming weeks.

Previously, Whatsapp had added Whatsapp Web security by requiring users to scan a QR code first so they could synchronize via a browser. The next security feature is to display a notification when there is a login activity on WhatsApp Web/desktop.