According to Alessandro Paluzzi, it seems that Instagram is testing out giving users the option to send their 2FA codes over WhatsApp. It’s interesting that WhatsApp could be used since WhatsApp requires an internet connection, which means that SMS would still be a more universal way of receiving 2FA codes, but we suppose it gives users an option and alternative.
#Instagram is working on the possibility of receiving authentication codes (2FA) on #WhatsApp 👀 pic.twitter.com/OeNwHZRArm
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) May 22, 2021
It is also interesting because it shows how Facebook is starting to bring more of its services closer together. In the past, all of Facebook’s services kind of felt separate from each other, so using WhatsApp is a great way for Facebook to leverage its products, and it could also encourage those who don’t have WhatsApp to sign up for an account.
There is no word on when this feature will be released, but it looks like it’s currently in testing so presumably we’ll have to wait and see how well it does before it makes its way to more users.