WhatsApp adds fingerprint lock feature on Android phones
One of the world’s most popular messaging services, WhatsApp, is announcing support for a new feature on Android. In the latest update, WhatsApp users on Android can lock their conversations behind a fingerprint.
Fingerprint lock doesn’t block calls, but it does hide messages and other logs behind another layer of security which is always a nice option to have. Users can also set a timer on the automatic lock to prevent the fingerprint dialog from appearing every time they open up the application.
Users of WhatsApp for Android can enable the new feature by opening the WhatApp app and going to Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock.
Here they can turn on the ‘Unlock with fingerprint’ feature, and choose whether the lock activates immediately, after one minute, or after 30 minutes.
As well as preventing nosy friends from reading your private messages, the new feature could potentially make it harder for police, intelligence and other law enforcement agencies to read messages sent by criminals and terrorists.
The app has already been criticised in the past for its ‘unbreakable’ end-to-end encryption system, meaning only people in conversations can see their contents.
The security system blocks governments and law enforcement from intercepting messages from people who might be using the platform for illegal activities.
Last year, WhatsApp admitted that its encryption software could be abused by criminals and terrorists.
