Passcode and biometric security features on our smartphones help to prevent access to our device, kind of like a lock for your home. However usually once the device is unlocked, its contents can be accessed, much like letting someone into your house where they are free to roam around and look at things.

However if you truly value your privacy and security, then a future update to WhatsApp might be of interest to you. According to the folks at WABetaInfo, it seems that WhatsApp is working on a new authentication feature for its Android app where users will have the option to enable fingerprint security.

When enabled this means that users will need to use their fingerprints to open the app to access their messages, providing users with an extra layer of protection. For example let’s say you unlock your phone to lend it to a friend, colleague, or family member to check something or to show them photos. If they are nosey enough, they might want to read your messages and by giving them an unlocked phone, you are also granting them access to your messages as well.

However once this fingerprint authentication feature is live, they won’t be able to access your WhatsApp messages without asking you to unlock it again. We imagine that this feature might be less useful if someone had managed to duplicate your fingerprints to begin with, but in other instances, the added security is one that is much welcome. That being said, there is no word on when the update with this feature is expected to be released.