The messaging platform now allows users to secure and access their backups using passkeys. This lets users secure their chat history using fingerprint, facial recognition, or screen lock code. 

Replacing the old method that required WhatsApp users to store a 64-character encryption key or recall a backup password, the passkey makes security become as effortless as unlocking your phone, a simple tap or glance is all it takes to protect or restore your chat history.

WhatsApp says users can now restore their chats seamlessly even after losing a device, without having to hunt for passwords or manually enter encryption keys. The system relies on biometric or device-level authentication, giving users a faster way to protect their data.

“Many of us carry years of precious memories in our WhatsApp chats – photos, heartfelt voice notes, and important conversations,” the company said. “That’s why protecting them if you ever lose your phone or need to transfer to a new device is so important.”

The passkey upgrade expands on the WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups introduced in 2021, reiterating the company’s focus on a password-free app.

It also builds on the platform’s earlier rollout of passkeys for account logins, making it clear that WhatsApp wants to make strong security simpler for everyone.

WhatsApp, which now serves over 3 billion users worldwide, said the new feature will roll out gradually over the next few weeks and months on both Android and iOS..

To activate the feature once available, users can open Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup, then choose to secure their backups using a passkey.

The workshop themed “Empowering Voices: Safeguarding Free Expression and Privacy through Encryption” was held in Ilorin, the State capital.

Global Encryption Day in marked annually in the month of October with series of activities to raise awareness about digital rights, digital security and free expression.

Mr Gbenga Sesan, a Digital Rights advocate and Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, who was the Guest Speaker at the programme, described encryption as a tool that allows internet users keep their online data and communications private and secure, adding that with encryption, people can communicate freely online without the fear of someone listening in or tampering with their messages.

Sesan who noted that privacy is a human need, explained that encryption plays a critical role in protecting day-to-day digital activities, making sure that private messages stay private and do not get to the wrong hands.

“End-to-end encryption provides the strongest level of security and trust, because by design only the intended recipient holds the key to decrypt the message as no third party should have a key. Encryption is essential for protecting freedom of expression and privacy. It is an essential tool for CSOs, Digital Right Defenders and journalists.

Essentially, encryption protects privacy and also guarantees free expression as guaranteed by the constitution,” he said.

The digital rights advocate also underscored the need for journalists, actors in the civic space and members of the public to have digital security tools that prevent certain powerful entities, from accessing and altering their conversations, investigations, and sources.

Sesan who urged internet users to always conduct an audit of various platforms they use for their online activities, advised them to only use digital devices and platforms that provide them encryption.

He also encouraged the media and other enlightened members of the public to help in creating awareness about encryption.

Earlier in his opening address, Wale Bakare, the Co-founder and Director of Partnerships and Sustainability of Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, said the workshop was organized to discuss the vital role encryption plays in protecting journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and digital rights defenders.

“By fostering awareness, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, the workshop seeks to empower participants to better understand and effectively use encryption technologies to safeguard free expression and uphold privacy in the digital age,” he added.

Bakare stated that the security of journalists online needed to protected to enable them perform their constitutional responsibilities of holding governments and its institutions accountable to the public, allow them tell impactful stories, protect their sources of information, and promote healthy democracies.

“End-to-end encryption helps journalists protect their communications from surveillance and interception by third parties. If journalists cannot communicate in confidence with their colleagues and sources or cannot protect the anonymity of their sources, they will lose public confidence.

“An important component of journalism is its ability to hold people and institutions in power accountable for their decisions and actions.

To do this, it is critical for journalists to have digital security tools that prevents powerful entities from accessing and/or altering their research, conversations, and sources.

“Strong encryption policy protects journalists everywhere: When countries support end- to-end encryption, they help journalists in their own nations and around the world by setting a standard for global encryption protections,” he said.

He however urged governments to encourage the practice of encryption as the lack of it can only deter journalists from publishing risky content.

“If journalists do not have a secure way of performing their work, they may opt to not pursue sensitive stories due to potential backlash, scrutiny, and harassment they may receive.

“A healthy democratic nation needs a strong and independent free press to inform the public about the actions of governments, institutions, and companies it chooses to trust,” he added.