WhatsApp Rolls Out Passkeys to Beta Users—No More Passwords and 2FA?

No more passwords for WhatsApp users?

Meta-owned platform WhatsApp is reshaping the way billions of users access their messaging app, bidding farewell to traditional passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). Instead, it's ushering in a quicker and more secure method - passkeys.

WhatsApp Embraces the Use of Passkeys

According to The Independent, the recent transformation aligns with a broader industry shift towards ditching age-old password technology in favor of modern passkeys. Passkeys combine biometric data, such as fingerprints, with a straightforward numeric code, enhancing user identification.

Notably, this transition mirrors Google's recent announcement of incorporating passkeys into its applications like Maps, Search, and YouTube. However, WhatsApp's new approach will initially impact Android users.

"Passkeys are a new way to log back into your account. This is a more secure way of confirming it's really you - and gives you an added layer of security," Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp said.

WhatsApp Launches Self-Destructing Voice Notes

WhatsApp's commitment to security and user privacy extends beyond passkeys. The platform is introducing self-destructing voice notes as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance privacy for users.

At present, the self-destructing voice notes feature is exclusively accessible to beta testers with the latest WhatsApp version. However, it's anticipated to be gradually introduced to all users.

Given WhatsApp's colossal user base of over 2.7 billion individuals worldwide, predominantly on Android devices, updates are methodically introduced to ensure minimal impact from potential security vulnerabilities.

The self-destructing audio messages, compatible with both Android and iOS users, offer an extra layer of privacy for sensitive information. Once a voice note with the "view once mode" is sent, neither the sender nor the recipient can access it again after dismissal, ensuring confidentiality.

WhatsApp's recent enhancements don't stop at passkeys and self-destructing voice notes. The platform has introduced "Channels," enabling users to follow celebrities and companies. Additionally, a "Create" feature has been rolled out, integrating generative artificial intelligence into WhatsApp for the first time.

Users can effortlessly craft custom stickers through simple text-based prompts, eliminating the need for external tools or design skills.

WhatsApp Now Allows Multiple Accounts For Users

In another related report from Gizchina, WhatsApp is now enabling users to utilize multiple accounts on a single device. The update addresses the needless switching of devices just to access another WhatsApp account. This is a time-saver for people who want to manage two personal accounts at once.

While this is good news for everyone, there are limitations you need to know. Since a WhatsApp account requires a user's phone number, only two accounts can be used per device.

In setting it up, you only need to open the app from your smartphone. Then, head to the Settings and tap the arrow beside your name. From here, add the account you wish to use and just follow the instructions to create your second profile.

Now that you have a secondary account, you can now tweak its privacy settings depending on your preference.