Whatsapp

New feature enhances user privacy with biometric and device-based verification options Meta Platforms has unveiled a new security feature for WhatsApp users, introducing passkey encryption for chat backups to strengthen data privacy. The new system replaces traditional password-based protection with biometric or device-level verification, making it easier and safer for users to secure their backups. Enhanced security through biometric verification With this rollout, WhatsApp users will no longer need to remember passwords or 64-digit encryption keys to protect their chat histories. Instead, they can encrypt backups using their fingerprint, facial recognition, or screen lock code. This ensures that only the account owner can decrypt and access stored data. According to Meta, users can activate the feature by navigating to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup within WhatsApp. Once enabled, all chat backups will be encrypted using passkeys, providing stronger protection even if the device is lost or stolen. Previously, users had to create a password or store a long encryption key to secure their backups. If either was forgotten, recovery was impossible — not even WhatsApp Support could retrieve the data. The new passkey system eliminates this risk while maintaining the same level of end-to-end security.

WhatsApp is leveling up its security game with a new update that brings passkey protection to your chat backups. Passkey encryption comes to WhatsApp backups The company just announced that it’s rolling out support for passkey-encrypted backups – meaning you can now use your fingerprint, face, or phone’s screen lock code to secure your WhatsApp backups. No more typing or remembering a long password or, worse, that 64-digit encryption key. Now, a quick tap or glance is all it takes. The same level of security that already keeps your personal chats and calls protected is now extended to your backups, making sure they stay private, secure, and always accessible. The rollout will happen gradually over the next few weeks and months, so if you don’t see it yet, just hang tight. When it does reach you, head to: Settings Chats Chat backup End-to-end encrypted backup A smart move in a world of smarter attacks Passkeys are easy to create and safe. | Image by WhatsApp With online attacks becoming more sophisticated, app security needs to evolve too – and this is exactly the kind of move we like to see from WhatsApp. The platform is already known for its strong

WhatsApp has started testing a companion app for the Apple Watch, reports WABetaInfo. This app allows Apple Watch users to view messages and media in their WhatsApp chat list, send new messages without waiting for a notification, and send message reactions using emojis. Additionally, users can send audio messages and dictate messages using voice input. However, it's worth noting that the Apple Watch still needs to be connected to an iPhone with WhatsApp installed for users to do everything we mentioned above, because this app is a companion app rather than a standalone one. Even then, it's a step in the right direction by WhatsApp, since the experience so far for users has been limited and restrictive, and we are hopeful that future updates to the companion app will offer a richer user experience. The companion app is available through TestFlight after installing beta version 25.32.10.71 of WhatsApp for iOS; however, it's unclear when it will be publicly available to all users through the App Store. Source

You don't have permission to access "http://www.gadgets360.com/apps/news/whatsapp-passkey-encrypted-chat-backup-biometric-authentication-end-to-end-encryption-9549955" on this server. Reference #18.d91fd717.1761907051.1ccfd2d5 https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.d91fd717.1761907051.1ccfd2d5

Updated 30 October 2025 at 15:40 IST WhatsApp is boosting cross-platform communication with the development of third-party group chats. Here's how the latest beta feature allows users to connect with friends on apps like Signal & Telegram within groups, driven by the EU's DMA Follow :   WhatsApp is boosting cross-platform communication with the development of third-party group chats. | Image: AP Show Quick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed WhatsApp is taking another big step toward cross-platform messaging. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.25.32.7) shows that the app is developing third-party group chats, which is basically a feature that will allow users to chat in groups with people using other messaging apps. According to the report, the move is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major tech companies to make their services interoperable. The goal is to help users should be able to communicate across different platforms without needing multiple apps. Earlier, WhatsApp began testing third-party chats, letting users message people from other apps like Signal or Telegram. Now, the company is expanding that idea to group conversations. All participants will

WhatsApp is planning to add a feature that allows users to decide on a profile cover photo, similar to those on Facebook and LinkedIn. This feature, available for WhatsApp Business accounts since 2022, allows users to show a cover image at the top of their profile. Users may make their cover photo available to everyone, which improves the customisation of their social networking experience. The feature is part of Meta’s larger push to expand profile customisation for all users. According to a report, WhatsApp intends to add cover photos to its app, allowing normal users to personalise their profiles similarly to business accounts. The capability was found following the release of the most recent WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.2, which is now accessible on the Google Play Store. This update attempts to improve user engagement by allowing for more personal expression. This feature allows businesses to display a banner photo at the top of their profiles that highlights their brand or important information. Currently, normal users are unable to modify their accounts in this manner. However, recent modifications to the beta version indicate that WhatsApp is preparing to expand this capability to all users in a future release. This improvement

WhatsApp soon lets you personalize your profile with cover photo WhatsApp WhatsApp soon lets you personalize your profile with cover photo Published 13 hours ago on October 28, 2025 WhatsApp has released a new beta update for Android, which reveals that the company is working on the ability for users to set a cover photo on their profile. This feature, already available for WhatsApp Business accounts, will soon be coming to regular users as well. The new cover photo option will let users add a banner image at the top of their WhatsApp profile, similar to what we see on Facebook or LinkedIn. This image will allow people to express their personality, mood, or style through visuals, to make profiles more fun and personal. Currently, only WhatsApp Business users can set cover photos to make their pages look more professional and appealing. However, WhatsApp now plans to expand this feature to everyone. Users will be able to upload or select a picture from their gallery directly in their profile settings. Image via WABetaInfo WhatsApp is also testing privacy settings for cover photos, giving users control over who can see them. The available options include “Everyone,” “My contacts,” and “Nobody.” For

WhatsApp mistake alarms users. AFP via Getty Images As social media posts go, this one probably needed a couple more reviews. WhatsApp’s latest jovial message on X has backfired horribly, with users alarmed the Meta platform has suddenly admitted it’s reading their end-to-end encrypted content after all. Forbes ‘Gmail Security Breach’—Google Issues Critical Update For All Users By Zak Doffman The message was simple: “people who end messages with ‘lol’ we see you, we honor you,” the platform posted on X, quickly collecting more than 5 million views. But it turns out “we see you” is not a clever message when your platform is built on assuring 3 billion users that you don’t see them at all. “What about end-to-end encryption,” multiple users quickly responded with alarm. “We meant ‘we see you’ figuratively lol (see what we did there?),” WhatsApp responded. “Your personal messages are protected by end-to-end encryption and no one, not even WhatsApp, can see them.” See them or not see them, you can appreciate the issue. And then to suggestions this means there’s no privacy and questions about its encryption, WhatsApp assured “your personal messages are private between you and the recipient. ‘We see you’ in our

Staff Reporter , Singapore /AndersonPiza from Envato MoneyHero plans to expand its conversational AI to travel insurance. MoneyHero has launched a group-wide artificial intelligence transformation, called Project Odyssey, to boost revenues by end-2025. Alongside this strategy, the company also deployed its AI-powered Car Insurance SaverBot Beta on WhatsApp in Singapore. “MoneyHero’s top-line revenue grew by more than 20% quarter-on-quarter from Q1 to Q2 2025, driven by higher conversions across credit card, personal loan and insurance verticals,” it said in a press release. “With that acceleration, the Company remains on track to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA and generate free cash flow in the latter part of 2025, supported by a solid balance sheet with approximately $30m in cash and cash equivalents as of 30 June 2025,” it added. MoneyHero said Project Odyssey will integrate AI into its content creation, marketing, customer service and product-matching workflows to raise productivity and improve profitability.  Rohith Murthy, Chief Executive Officer of MoneyHero Group, noted that conversational platforms fit well with Southeast Asian markets where mobile and messaging app usage dominates.  The Philippines, MoneyHero’s largest market by members, accounts for 68% of its total membership, where WhatsApp and similar apps are common channels for financial services

Navigation for News Categories WhatsApp is a messaging service owned by Meta. Photo: 123rf Lawyers say elderly couples married for more than 50 years and applying for visas are being asked to prove their relationship is real with WhatsApp chats. They want reform of partnership visas and a different approach to what evidence is requested by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). "They are asking for chat messages between 70-year-olds," said immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar. "There's no balance there, and there's no actual holistic assessment of that individual application. And especially when you're asked to provide such evidence for those who are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and have lived together for the last 60 years of their lives. "They are asked, 'Why is there no evidence of chat logs or messages or call logs between the two of you? If it's genuine and stable relationship evidence, show me texts that you send each other.' They don't send each other texts, they see each other every day. It's a relationship. They're living the relationship." Partnership visa criteria prioritised proofs such as shared assets and joint utility bills, which was also not possible for some applicants. "It's a thought process that is both