WhatsApp users need device authentication to access the web version

WhatsApp Web will also undergo a visual redesign as the update rolls out to users over the coming weeks

WhatsApp on Thursday rolled out a new feature for the web version of its messaging service. The feature will require users for their device's facial or fingerprint authentication in addition to scanning the QR code for accessing the platform on the computer. 

"This will limit the chance that a housemate or officemate (when we have those again) can link devices to your WhatsApp account without you. This builds on our existing security measures today, which pop up a notice in your phone whenever a Web/Desktop login occurs, and the ability to unlink devices from your phone at any time," said the