WhatsApp has introduced a new security feature for WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop. Users will now be asked to verify using face identification and fingerprint.  

Users must use their face or fingerprint unlock on the phone to authenticate WhatsApp Web or desktop, the instant messaging app said.

This new security feature will help to limit the chances of someone accessing your account without your permission and also a notification will be sent to the owner’s phone whenever a web login occurs.

WhatsApp also said in a statement that the face and fingerprint authentication takes place on their device in a “privacy preserving” manner by design. WhatsApp cannot access the biometric information stored by the device’s operating system, the instant messaging app said.

WhatsApp claimed that a new security update for linking devices will be rolled out alongside a visual redesign to the WhatsApp Web page on phones, to users with compatible devices over the coming weeks.

The Facebook-owned company said that it is also working on more features for its non-phone apps as well, revealing in its announcement that it’s “going to be adding a lot more functionality to (its) apps for Mac and Windows as well as the Web” in 2021. 

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