WhatsApp Tests Feature That Blocks Logins on Outdated Phones

WhatsApp Tests Login Block for Outdated Phones

WhatsApp is testing a new security feature that no longer allows users to log in on devices running outdated operating systems. Since it is a safety feature, it cannot be skipped, so users must update their devices to keep using the application.

If a user tries to log in to WhatsApp on an outdated operating system, the app requires them to update the operating system first and then log back in. The mechanism works similarly to when an app requires installing its latest version, but in this case the user is required to update the phone itself.

WhatsApp has not detailed which operating system versions keep users logged in. The feature was created for both Android and iOS devices, but it is currently being tested by a limited number of user accounts.

Security Rationale

An in-app alert, reported by WABetaInfo, states that outdated phone software puts devices at risk for malware and that updating helps keep the device and account secure. It has been noted that even if the app runs the latest version, it is not immune to malware that an attacker might have placed on an outdated device system. In that case, the attacker can also gain access to the app and the information stored in it.

Other Privacy Features in Testing

The company is also testing a privacy related feature called Restricted Chat. It allows users to keep some conversations and files accessible only on certain devices. The feature can currently be tested after installing the latest version of WhatsApp from TestFlight.

Restricted Chat is part of the company's Advanced Chat Privacy features, which include blocking chat exports, disabling automatic downloads for photos and videos, and restricting AI features. With more than 3 billion monthly active users worldwide, WhatsApp is constantly developing ways to protect its users, although some of its features have raised concerns.

One example is a feature that allows users to be found by their username rather than their phone number. Many users were skeptical because it could lead to impersonation, scams, and phishing. Phone numbers have become a sensitive piece of information, and it was previously reported that a hacker listed 3 TB of data on WhatsApp users, including millions of phone numbers.

Sources: Cybernews