WhatsApp continues to innovate and provide its users with exciting new features. Two such features were recently introduced. One is the ability to edit sent messages & the other is Password Cross-Checking for End-to-End Encrypted Backups.
Password Cross-Checking for End-to-End Encrypted Backups
Two years ago, WhatsApp introduced the option for users to create encrypted backups. These backups could be secured with a personal password or a 64-digit encryption key. This encryption mechanism ensured that neither WhatsApp nor backup service providers like Apple and Google could access or read the encrypted backups or the unlocking key. However, there was one catch.
Some users encountered difficulties when they couldn't remember the password they had chosen for their encrypted backups. This led to lost access to their important backup data, leaving them in a precarious situation. To address this issue, WhatsApp has taken a proactive step to help users regain control of their encrypted backups.
To prevent users from permanently losing access to their encrypted backups, WhatsApp has released a password verification feature. This feature acts as a helpful reminder for users to cross-check the accuracy of their chosen password. By periodically prompting users to verify their password, WhatsApp aims to reduce the instances of forgotten passwords and the subsequent loss of backup data. The password verification prompt may automatically appear on certain occasions. This prompt is similar to the feature that verifies the correctness of two-step verification codes.
WhatsApp allows users to temporarily disable end-to-end encrypted backups if they forget their passwords, giving them time to create new backup passwords without risking the loss of chat history stored within. But be warned that disabling, reenabling and forgeting the password can lead to your old chat history being erased permanently by this action!
The password reminder feature offers users a solution by enabling them to verify and reset their password with end-to-end encrypted backups to regain access to their valuable chat history. Password verification feature for end-to-end encrypted backups is currently only available to select users on Android and iOS versions of WhatsApp.
Edit Sent Messages
To edit a sent message, simply long-press on it and select the "Edit" option from the menu. This action triggers the editing interface, enabling users to modify the content of their message.
WhatsApp has designed the editing feature to be available for a limited period after sending the message. Users have up to 15 minutes to make the necessary corrections or additions to their sent messages. This time window allows for prompt adjustments while still maintaining the integrity of the conversation.
To ensure transparency and clarity in conversations, WhatsApp marks edited messages. When a message has been edited, it is visibly labeled as "edited" alongside the content. This visual indication informs the recipient that the message has been modified since it was originally sent.
WhatsApp prioritizes the privacy and security of its users' communications. Just like regular messages, edited messages, along with media and calls, are protected by end-to-end encryption. This robust security measure ensures that only the intended recipients can access and decrypt the content of the messages.
WhatsApp, with plans to gradually roll these features out over several weeks for wider user base use. WhatsApp uses an incremental approach to provide each user with a smooth and efficient implementation.This incremental approach allows for a smooth and seamless integration of the feature across the vast user base of the platform.
