New Delhi, October 31 (Read) — WhatsApp has strengthened its privacy framework by introducing passkey-encrypted backups for chats stored on Google Drive and iCloudoffering users an easier and more secure way to protect their data.

The new feature expands on WhatsApp’s existing end-to-end encryptionwhich already secures all messages, calls, and shared media. With this rollout, users can now safeguard their chat backups using fingerprint, face ID, or screen lockeliminating the need to remember or manage a lengthy 64-digit encryption key.

WhatsApp explained that the passkey system ensures that only the user can access their stored datakeeping it fully private — even from WhatsApp and the cloud service providers themselves. The encryption will protect all content, including messages, photos, voice notes, videos, and chat histories.

According to the company, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption currently protects over 100 billion messages exchanged daily among its 2 billion global users. While most chats remain stored locally on devices, many users rely on cloud backups for convenience. The new update ensures that these online backups maintain the same level of security as the chats themselves.

The passkey-encrypted backup feature will roll out globally in the coming weeks. To access it, users must update to the latest version of WhatsApp on both Android and iOS platforms.

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Readhis insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.