WhatsApp will soon allow users to connect through unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers, in a move aimed at strengthening users’ privacy on the messaging platform.
The new feature, announced by Meta on Monday, will enable users to create unique usernames that can be shared with family, friends, businesses and other contacts, reducing the need to disclose their phone numbers in many conversations.
According to a statement by the company, the update is “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number.”
Meta explained that the feature will prevent phone numbers from being automatically shared when users join large group chats or contact a person or business for the first time.
The company also said users would not be able to search for usernames through a public directory.
“There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” the statement read.
Meta said the username reservation feature would be introduced gradually across countries over the coming months, with users receiving notifications when it becomes available in their locations.
The company added that creators, small businesses and organisations would be able to reserve the same usernames they already use on Facebook or Instagram to ensure consistency across Meta’s platforms.
WhatsApp, which has more than three billion users worldwide, acknowledged that some users may not get their preferred usernames because of the platform’s large user base.
– AFP.
