Biometric authentication coming to WhatsApp

Users of WhatsApp on Android could soon be able to protect their chats with fingerprint authentication, as the feature has joined support for iOS’ Face ID and Touch ID in development, according to a report from fan site WABetaInfo, which spotted a new update submitted to the Google Play Beta Program.

Screenshots captured from the new WhatsApp version 2.19.3 show that the fingerprint authentication option is available from the “privacy” menu in WhasApp account settings, and can also port credentials from the device. Activating the feature will apply the locking method to the entire app, rather than specific conversations, whether through the icon, notifications, or external links.

No development timetable is given, but WABetaInfo reports the feature is currently in the alpha stage, and will be available for Android devices with an integrated fingerprint sensor and running Marshmallow or newer versions. Development of support for iOS biometrics was reported late last year.

For those unwilling to wait for biometric protection for WhatsApp, ID R&D launched face, voice and behavioral authentication software for it and other messaging platforms in September.

Article Topics

Android  |  biometrics  |  fingerprint authentication  |  mobile app