WhatsApp to let users send and receive messages without their phones
A Bournemouth-based cyber security expert has voiced his concerns at the idea
Last updated 16th Jul 2021
You could soon be able to send a message on WhatsApp without using your phone.
At the moment, you can't do that because accounts are linked to a user's phone.
Even if you use the desktop version in a web browser, your phone needs to be connected to the device to be able to send and receive messages.
WhatsApp has announced a limited public trial for what it describes as "multi-device capability".
Up to four other non-phone devices - like tablets or laptops - could be used simultaneously, even if your phone battery is dead, WhatsApp said.
In a blog post, engineers said they had to "rethink" WhatsApp’s architecture and design new systems to allow the change while preserving privacy and end-to-end encryption.
Jake Moore from Bournemouth-based online security firm Eset said he was "not too keen" on the idea.
"However robust security settings are in applications, there will always be someone looking for ways to circumnavigate.
"Social engineering is an ever-increasing problem and the tech industry often struggles to mitigate against it, therefore, the onus remains firmly with the user to be self-aware of potential misuse.
"Domestic abusers and stalkers potentially could take advantage of this new feature by syncing additional devices in order to capture private communications.
"It is therefore vital that people are aware of all the devices that are connected to their account."