In a bid to protect user conversations further, the popular messaging app WhatsApp has reportedly been working on a new feature.
A report in WABetaInfo revealed that the Facebook-owned messaging app has been testing its new fingerprint lock feature, which would add an additional layer of protection for WhatsApp users.
The report pointed out that the feature is currently available to only a select number of beta users.
While the feature would not be able to lock specific conversations by users, anyone who enables the Fingerprint feature, will reportedly be required to authenticate their identity in order to even open WhatsApp on a device.
The report pointed out that the fingerprint authentication feature is currently in an alpha stage of development and will be available to Android users that have Android Marshmallow and a fingerprint sensor.
The select group of users with the required specifications, will be able to access the WhatsApp fingerprint lock in their privacy settings under the authentication tab.
Reports earlier noted that WhatsApp has been secretly working on Face ID and Touch ID features on iOS.
However, those advanced features are still believed to be in the development phase.
In recent months, WhatsApp has been working on several new features that have been spotted by experts.
The new features include WhatsApp Business, group chat add-ons, options for new stickers, and options to select message in a group.
Recently, WhatsApp invited users to a testing program for an unreleased version of its Messenger app.
It posted a message for users and said, “As a tester, you’ll receive an update that includes a testing version of the WhatsApp Messenger app, which may also include unreleased versions of its instant app. Note: testing versions may be unstable.”