New Delhi: WhatsApp has recently reported that they have started experimenting with a latest cloud backup system that might going to reduce its reliance on third-party services like Google Drive and iCloud. This feature is expected to let users store their chat backups directly on WhatsApp’s own servers, with end-to-end encryption allowed by default.
This feature is currently under development. The latest system focuses on offering users more control over how and where their backups are stored, while it also addresses storage limitations faced on the existing cloud platforms.
WhatsApp has started experimenting with this feature that will enable Android users to choose between Google Drive and the dedicated WhatsApp cloud storage options for backups. Currently, Android users will rely entirely on Google Drive, which also shares storage space with other Google services.
It often creates issues when backup sizes grow, and users run out of available space. With this latest system, WhatsApp might offer up to 2GB of free storage for backups, though it is not yet clear if this will be available to all users.
WhatsApp is now also working on improving backup security with passkey-based encryption. Rather than using traditional passwords or long encryption keys, users will be able to secure the backups by using device-based authentication, such as fingerprint, face unlock, or screen lock.
This passkey will be stored in a password manager and can sync across trusted devices. They can still choose to encrypt backups by using the password or 64-digit key. All of the backups can be stored on WhatsApp’s cloud, which will go on to remain end-to-end encrypted by default.
It might also unveil a paid storage plan of around 50GB priced at around $0.99 (roughly Rs 93.64). This is still under consideration, and details might be going to change before the official release.
