WhatsApp offers new contact management for data security

In recent times, WhatsApp users have typically followed a straightforward process when it comes to managing their contacts: they would save a contact to their mobile device and then access it through the messaging platform whenever necessary. While WhatsApp has included a contact-sharing feature that allows users to save contacts directly via QR codes, this capability has been somewhat limited, available only in select regions.

However, the Meta-owned company is making significant strides to enhance the user experience by introducing a noteworthy update to this feature. With this new development, users logging into WhatsApp’s web service can now seamlessly share and manage their contacts across multiple devices. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for users who prefer the efficiency of using a keyboard on the Web and Windows versions of WhatsApp.

In addition to this, WhatsApp is also introducing a feature that allows users to save contacts exclusively within the WhatsApp platform, which is especially useful for those who frequently use shared devices. This could be relevant in scenarios such as siblings sharing a family device, where concerns about privacy and data security often arise. With this update, users can rest assured that their contacts and messages will remain accessible only to them, secured through encryption. However, it’s worth noting that users will still face limitations regarding the de-duplication of contacts when using multiple SIM cards on a single device.

Looking ahead to November, WhatsApp plans to implement Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS). This new feature will enable users to store their contacts securely and restore them on their devices with confidence. In collaboration with Cloudflare, WhatsApp is focusing on validating the cryptographic properties of this system to ensure a robust and secure contact restoration process.

Furthermore, the much-anticipated MetaAI feature, which was initially exclusive to Galaxy and Moto devices, will now be accessible to users across a wider range of manufacturers. This expansion is made possible by the readiness of the Llama engine, which is designed to serve WhatsApp users globally, thereby enhancing the overall functionality and versatility of the messaging platform.