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WhatsApp hides phone numbers with new username feature
WhatsApp users will soon have a new way to connect without giving out one of their most personal pieces of information, their phone number.
The Meta-owned messaging platform has begun rolling out usernames to its roughly three billion users worldwide, allowing people to identify themselves with a unique handle instead of a mobile number when starting conversations.
The feature is being introduced gradually over the coming months, with users able to reserve their preferred username as it becomes available.
As highlighted by the BBC, WhatsApp says the update is designed to give users greater control over their privacy, particularly when interacting with new contacts or participating in group chats. Users will receive a notification once the username option becomes available on their accounts.
While a phone number will still be required to register a WhatsApp account, it will no longer need to be shared with other users once usernames are fully activated.
According to Moneyweb, WhatsApp Head of Product Alice Newton-Rex said the feature is intended to make connecting with new people feel less intrusive.
“When you meet someone new, whether it’s a classmate, a neighbor, or someone you meet at an event, sharing a phone number can feel like a big step.”
Instead, people will be able to exchange usernames to start conversations, while retaining the existing ability to block or report unwanted contacts.
Unlike traditional social media platforms, WhatsApp will not include a public directory where usernames can be searched. Users will need to know another person’s exact username before they can make contact, a measure aimed at limiting unsolicited messages.
The company is also introducing safeguards to reduce impersonation. Existing Facebook and Instagram usernames will be reserved for their owners during the rollout period, while usernames linked to prominent public figures, celebrities and government institutions will remain protected.
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