WhatsApp to launch encrypted cloud backup with Passkey Security

ISLAMABAD: The world’s most popular messaging app WhatsApp is working on introducing its own cloud backup service in the future, under which users’ chat backups will be automatically end-to-end encrypted.

Google Drive for Android users and iCloud for iPhone users are used for chat backup, but WhatsApp will soon provide users with a new chat backup option.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the aim of this new feature is to reduce dependence on third-party platforms like Google’s Google Drive and Apple’s iCloud so that users can gain more control over their storage.

In this new system, users will be given the opportunity to secure their backups using a “passkey” instead of a traditional password.

This ‘passkey’ is stored on the user’s device and works through fingerprint, Face ID or screen lock, which significantly reduces the chances of hacking.

Currently, WhatsApp backups for Android users are only stored on Google Drive, whose limited free storage often fills up quickly.

Users have to share this storage with their photos, videos, and other data, which adds to the hassle.

According to reports, WhatsApp will give users the option to store backups in a cloud service, where up to 2 GB of free storage will be provided.

In addition, the company is also considering introducing a 50 GB storage plan for around $ 0.99.

If a user chooses WhatsApp’s own cloud service, all data will be mandatory end-to-end encrypted. Users will be able to secure their backups using a passkey, password, or 64-digit encryption key.

It should be noted that this feature is still in the final stages of preparation and will soon be introduced to users after testing in various stages. Initially, it will be released for beta users, after which it will be gradually rolled out to all other users.