TL;DR
Confer, an end-to-end encrypted AI chat service, displays a requirement for passkeys that include PRF extension support to store encryption keys securely. The site recommends recent browser versions (Chrome 116+, Firefox 139+, Edge 141+) and a device with platform authentication such as Face ID, Touch ID or Windows Hello.
What happened
Visitors to Confer’s site encounter an access barrier that blocks use unless their browser and device meet advanced passkey requirements. The application demands passkeys with PRF (pseudorandom function) extension support so it can securely store encryption keys; if a user’s browser or device lacks those capabilities, the site reports the device doesn’t support the advanced features. The message explicitly directs users to upgrade to Chrome 116 or later, Firefox 139 or later, or Edge 141 or later, and to run on a device that provides platform authentication — for example Face ID, Touch ID or Windows Hello. The landing notice frames these checks as necessary for secure encryption key storage. Other details about the product, rollout, or alternative access methods are not provided on the page.
Why it matters
- Passkeys with PRF extension are being used to store encryption keys locally, indicating a focus on stronger client-side security.
- Requiring recent browser and OS features can block access for users on older devices or unmanaged environments.
- Platform authentication (Face ID/Touch ID/Windows Hello) is being used as part of the trust chain for key protection, which shifts security responsibilities to device-level hardware/software.
- Compatibility checks at the client side affect who can use the encrypted AI chat and may influence adoption among less up-to-date users.
Key facts
- Confer is presented as an end-to-end encrypted AI chat service.
- The application requires passkeys that support the PRF extension for secure encryption key storage.
- Users whose browsers or devices lack these advanced passkey features are shown a blocking message.
- Recommended browsers and minimum versions listed are Chrome 116+, Firefox 139+, and Edge 141+.
- A device with platform authentication is required; the page lists examples: Face ID, Touch ID, Windows Hello.
- The on-site message frames the requirement as necessary specifically for secure encryption key storage.
- No fallback authentication methods or alternative access routes are detailed on the page.
- Page content and requirements were published on 2026-01-13 (source timestamp).
What to watch next
- Whether Confer will add fallback or alternative login methods for users on unsupported browsers or devices (not confirmed in the source).
- If browser vendors broaden passkey PRF support or if specification adoption accelerates across platforms (not confirmed in the source).
- Whether Confer will publish technical documentation, audits, or compatibility guidance explaining the security model and PRF usage (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Passkey: A passwordless credential based on public-key cryptography stored on a device or platform and used for authentication.
- PRF extension: A pseudorandom function extension referenced in passkey authentication that can be used for deriving or protecting cryptographic keys; details vary by implementation.
- Platform authentication: Device-level biometric or hardware-backed authentication methods such as Face ID, Touch ID or Windows Hello that verify the user to the device.
- End-to-end encryption: A security model where only communicating endpoints hold the keys to decrypt messages, preventing intermediaries from reading the content.
Reader FAQ
Why am I seeing an 'Advanced Passkey Features Required' message?
The application requires passkeys with PRF extension support to store encryption keys securely; the message appears when your browser or device lacks those advanced features.
Which browsers are supported?
The site recommends Chrome 116 or later, Firefox 139 or later, and Edge 141 or later.
Do I need Face ID, Touch ID or Windows Hello to use Confer?
The page asks that you use a device with platform authentication and lists Face ID, Touch ID and Windows Hello as examples.
Is there a fallback login method if my device is unsupported?
not confirmed in the source
Advanced Passkey Features Required This application requires passkey with PRF extension support for secure encryption key storage. Your browser or device doesn't support these advanced features. Please use Chrome 116+,…
Sources
- Confer – End to end encrypted AI chat
- Making end-to-end encrypted AI chat feel like logging in – Confer
- Signal creator Moxie Marlinspike wants to do for AI what he …
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