Code in WhatsApp beta points out feature to password protect backups

WhatsApp beta version 2.20.66 for Android refers to the ability to password protect backups uploaded to Google Drive. It is not yet clear whether and when that functionality will actually come to the chat app.

WABetaInfo notes that the feature is not yet available. The beta version only contains the first lines of code that indicate the presence of the feature, according to the site. The beta version in question is distributed through the Google Play Beta Program.

It would be the first option to automatically provide WhatsApp backups with additional security. Without this option, the protection of a backup consists of the password and any two-factor authentication on the Google account in question, or the possible protection of the local storage medium of the Android device in case of an offline backup.

It is unknown when the feature will be available. It may take a long time for WhatsApp to add features referenced in the code. For example, the first indications for a dark mode already appeared in 2018; that feature has been officially available since Tuesday.