WhatsApp planning to add fingerprint authentication to web companion app

The new feature in development will prevent anyone from creating a new session in the companion web app, lest users scan their fingerprints in the mobile app.

In the past couple of weeks, reports have detailed that the company is planning to add calling functionality to its web-based interface. (REUTERS)

WhatsApp is constantly working on adding new features and improving functionality of its existing features. In the past couple of weeks, reports have detailed that the company is planning to add calling functionality to its web-based interface. Reports have also detailed that the company is working on a new feature for its web companion app.

To give you a quick brief, apart from mobile apps and WhatsApp Web, which gives users access to their accounts from their web browsers, WhatsApp also has a web companion app. This platform gives users access to their accounts from their personal computers, laptops and Mac. The messaging app's web companion app works in a way that is similar to WhatsApp Web. Users need to log into the app by scanning the QR code from their mobile apps. Now, word is that the Facebook-owned messaging app is planning to change that.

As per a report by WABetaInfo, which extensively tracks developments in WhatsApp, the company is planning to add support for fingerprint sensors to its web companion app.

The blog site says that this is a privacy feature that is aimed at ensuring that ‘no one creates a new session when someone is temporarily using a user's phone.' Simply said, it will prevent anyone from creating a new session in the companion web app, lest users scan their fingerprints in the mobile app.

This feature is still in development and it remains to be seen whether WhatsApp adds support for FaceID in the feature.