WhatsApp announced a major update on Tuesday, unveiling a new feature that allows users to save contacts directly within the app.
With this new functionality, users will still have access to all their contacts via WhatsApp’s secure cloud storage, even if they lose their phone or connect a new device to their main account.
Previously, WhatsApp only used the phone’s contact list to manage connections. When a new person messaged a user, their details were saved locally on the device. This upcoming feature, which will soon be available, will enable users to store contacts that can be accessed from any device, including WhatsApp Web and Windows, while also allowing the option to sync contacts with their mobile phones.
This update follows last year’s rollout that allowed users to log into two WhatsApp accounts on the same device, giving them the ability to keep personal and business contacts separate.
It also benefits users who share devices, letting them keep their contact information secure and private.
To support this feature, WhatsApp has developed a new encrypted storage system called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS), which generates an encryption key on the user’s device, ensuring that contact information remains secure. Additionally, the app is working with Cloudflare to ensure that any updates to the contact list are authenticated, guaranteeing data integrity.
In a further enhancement, WhatsApp is also exploring the option of letting users save contacts via usernames, offering added privacy. This would allow users to communicate without needing to share phone numbers, similar to privacy features found on competing platforms like Signal and Telegram.
With this update, WhatsApp aims to improve both user privacy and convenience, reinforcing its commitment to staying competitive in the evolving messaging app market.
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