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After being hinted at and after testing in previous beta builds, WhatsApp has confirmed that end-to-end encryption for cloud backups is set to roll out soon.
[Update 10/11]: After being officially announced, WhatsApp’s long-awaited encrypted backups are now beginning to roll out with the latest beta update for the Android and iOS apps. As the original post (below) notes, you’ll need to choose between a password or 64-bit key. Losing either will result in your backup being lost — be that on Android or iOS.
Spotted by WABetaInfo, the option is said to be available as of v2.21.21.5 of WhatsApp for Android. However, after updating we’re not yet seeing the option when heading to Settings > Chats > Chat backup. This hints that the feature is not yet widely available but likely coming very soon to most users of the messaging platform.
When you do enable the feature, the backups are encrypted before upload. Which is why a cloud-based key or a password is required to recover when you sign in to a new device. The latest beta update should be rolling out right now via the Google Play Store provided that you are enrolled.
[Update: Rolling out] WhatsApp adds end-to-end encryption for Android cloud backups
After testing in previous beta builds, WhatsApp has confirmed that end-to-end encryption for cloud backups is set to roll out soon.
9to5google.com