This means if you lose your device, you can use methods like fingerprint, face, or the screen lock code of your previous device to access WhatsApp's backup.
I am able to access the data folder which is located in Internal storage/Android/media/com.whatsapp. This is without root using the AOSP files app, not sure if that’s what you meant.
Off topic but
Wish they allowed to read the backups so that I can import them to other apps.
Had tried once using private key extraction using a rooted device but it’s very hard and not reliable.
In the end it’s just a SQLite db where all the chats are stored.
I am able to access the data folder which is located in Internal storage/Android/media/com.whatsapp. This is without root using the AOSP files app, not sure if that’s what you meant.