Facebook explains how WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups work
On September 10, 2021, WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups for Android and iOS devices is officially announced. This feature allows you to further strengthen and protect the privacy of message backups. The Facebook-owned WhatsApp has provided end-to-end encrypted messages for a while now, although that additional security has not been used for backups in the past.
It also does not apply to the media and relies on encryption services provided by a cloud provider that backs up the service. Those cloud providers can explain them and if there is a need that has arisen, and to know privacy, that is obviously very small.
The company has begun testing hidden end-to-end backups in the beta version of WhatsApp, and now, before its extensive release, Facebook has explained exactly how those encrypted backups work.
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How WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backups work
Facebook says it has launched a completely new end-to-end encryption system that works on both iOS and Android. Backups are encrypted with a unique, random key, and the key can be saved manually or by a password.
If the user wants to keep your password, they can access the Hardware-security-module-based Backup Key Vault to retrieve their encryption key and delete the backup.
This vault is responsible for enforcing password verification attempts and providing the key to permanent access after many unsuccessful attempts to recover it. This prevents power attacks, and WhatsApp will never know the key.
Storing keys in the Backup Key Vault
WhatsApp uses an earlier service called ChatD, which manages customer communication and customer authentication. It will apply a protocol that sends backup keys to and from WhatsApp servers, as well as the client and key vault exchange encrypted messages.
Backups are performed as a continuous stream of encrypted data – e.g., the encryption key can be used to decrypt it. Once encrypted, backups can be stored anywhere outside the site, including Google Drive or iCloud.
Facebook says to help address the number of users who rely on WhatsApp, the main vault service will be distributed geographically across all data centers once completed. Facebook also released two graphics that show how end-encryption works when you use a key to delete your backup, or when you use a user password to clear your encryption.
Here’s the encryption and decryption process when using a password
If the account owner uses a password to access their backup, then it will work via the following process to retrieve the key from the key vault.
- They enter their password, which is encrypted and then verified by the Backup Key Vault.
- Once the password is verified, the Backup Key Vault will send the encryption key back to the WhatsApp client.
- With the key in hand, the WhatsApp client can then decrypt the backups.
If the 64-bit key alone is what’s being used, then the user will need to manually save and enter the key themselves.
WhatsApp has added a new AI feature in its latest beta update for Android with beta version 2.25.18.18. The new tool uses AI to create short summaries of unread messages on WhatsApp to make it easier for users to stay updated in busy chats and group conversations.
The AI-based Message Summaries feature helps users quickly understand what they missed without having to scroll through all the messages on WhatsApp. When many unread messages appear in a chat, a new button shows up. Tapping this button gives a short, private summary of the messages.
It works in both personal chats and group chats. The summary is created by Meta AI, but it is made using a special system known as Private Processing. This means the message data is not stored, shared, or read by WhatsApp or Meta. Everything happens securely on your device, and your messages stay private.
The feature is optional. You can turn it on or off in WhatsApp settings under Private Processing. Also, if Advanced Chat Privacy is turned on in a chat, the summary feature will be disabled for better privacy.
This feature is currently rolling out to some beta testers who use the WhatsApp beta app on Android. More users will get access in the coming weeks through future updates on the Google Play Store.
WhatsApp is continuously working to add new features and improvements to help users express themselves better. In the latest Android beta update, version 2.25.18.14, WhatsApp is testing a fun new feature that lets you add an Avatar to your profile.
In earlier versions, users could replace their profile photo with an avatar. But now, WhatsApp is taking it a step further. With the new update, you can keep your real profile photo and add an avatar alongside it, similar to Instagram.
Once you go to the avatar settings, you’ll see a new option to add your avatar to your profile. You can select a background color and choose an animation to make your avatar more fun and personal. After that, your profile will show both your photo and your avatar.
When someone opens your chat info screen, they’ll see a cool coin flip animation. This animation switches between your profile photo and your animated avatar.
Moreover, you can also change or remove the avatar anytime. You’re in full control, and you can update the look, background, or pose whenever you want.
This avatar feature is currently available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store. WhatsApp plans to roll it out to more users over the coming weeks.
WhatsApp is testing a helpful new feature for status updates in its latest beta update for Android. With beta version 2.25.18.9 of WhatsApp, users can now choose whether others can forward or reshare their status.
Until now, if you posted a status on WhatsApp, others couldn’t really share it unless you were mentioned in it. But now, with the new feature, you can choose to let your contacts reshare your status updates, only if you want to.
When creating a status, you’ll see a new option to allow or block resharing. This setting is turned off by default, which means no one can reshare your status unless you enable it. You can decide this for each status you post.
If resharing is turned on, your contacts can forward your status to their contacts, helping your message reach more people. This is an amazing feature for those who want to spread messages more widely.
In addition, WhatsApp is still focusing on your privacy. People who receive a reshared status won’t see who originally posted it, and your phone number or name won’t be shared outside your contacts. Also, if someone reshared your status and then someone else reshared it again, only the last person gets notified.
This new reshare feature is currently available only to some WhatsApp beta testers on Android. If you’re part of the beta program through the Google Play Store, you might already see this option. WhatsApp plans to release it to more users in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more information.
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WhatsApp developing iOS-like text selection feature for Android
WhatsApp is working on a new feature for Android that will let users select and copy only a part of a message, just like on iOS. The fresh WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.25.18.3, reveals the development of a new text selection feature.
Right now, if you want to copy text from a WhatsApp message, you have to copy the whole message. But on iOS, users can already tap and hold on a message, then drag to select only the words or sentences they need. This makes it much easier to share or save just the important part of a message.
Soon, Android users of WhatsApp will get the same text selection feature. With this new tool, you’ll be able to tap and hold a message, then highlight only the part you want to copy. This will work in all types of chats, including individual messages, group chats, and channels.
Image via WABetaInfo
However, this feature depends on a new message menu design that WhatsApp is still working on for Android. This redesigned menu will look more modern and similar to the one already used on iOS. Once this new menu is released, the partial text selection feature will work with it.
This update will make copying text on WhatsApp much more flexible. Instead of copying an entire message and then editing it, you’ll be able to copy just the specific words or lines you want.
While the feature is already live for iOS users, Android users will need to wait a little longer as it is under development. But it’s clear that WhatsApp wants to make the experience the same across both platforms. Stay tuned for more information.
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WhatsApp has just added some exciting new features to its Status Updates to make it easier and more fun for users to express themselves. If you love sharing daily moments, moods, or music on WhatsApp Status, you’re going to love the new features.
From posting your favorite songs to turning photos into stickers, these new features help you express yourself in interactive ways. New features are rolling out now across both Android and iOS. Let’s dive into what’s new WhatsApp brings for users.
New WhatsApp Status Updates Features
Music only Status Updates
The new update brings the ability to post a music-only Status update. It means you can now share your favorite tracks directly from your gallery, without needing to add a photo or video. You also get to choose music sticker layouts to match the vibe of your song.
Photo Collage Layouts
Like Instagram, WhatsApp brings the new Layout tool. It lets you combine up to six photos in one Status update. It means you don’t need to post your images simply; the use of the layout makes them more attractive.
Custom Photo Stickers
You can now turn any photo into a movable, resizable sticker. Crop it, place it anywhere, and make your Status more fun and personal.
“Add Yours” Sticker
The “Add Yours” sticker, similar to Instagram, allows friends to reply to your Status with their own image or story. It’s fun, interactive, and secure – even WhatsApp doesn’t show who started the chain.
If you are using WhatsApp, try out the new features now!
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