The world’s most popular messaging app, WhatsApp, has introduced a new feature that will allow users to connect with each other without revealing their mobile phone numbers.
To achieve this, the company is preparing to roll out a username system, enabling users to use a unique username as their identity on the platform.
Under the new feature, every user will be able to choose a unique username for their account. Anyone who contacts them using that username will not need to see their phone number, a change expected to significantly improve user privacy.
The company also says the feature will help reduce fraud and scams, as people will only be able to contact users if they know their specific username.
Starting this week, users will be able to reserve a username within the app, although using one will not be mandatory.
Users will also be able to change or delete their username at any time.
To choose a username, users must have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
According to the company, the feature will be rolled out to all users over the coming months.
For added privacy, users will continue to have the option to block or report unwanted messages.
Usernames can be up to 35 characters long, and the names of important official organizations and well-known public figures will be reserved and unavailable for others to use.
Reports indicate that WhatsApp will check username availability during the selection process to ensure every user has a unique identity. If a chosen username is already taken, the user will be prompted to select a different one.
The feature could be especially useful for people who participate in WhatsApp Communities, conduct business, or engage in online transactions with individuals they do not want to share their personal phone number with.
The rollout will take place in phases.
Messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal already offer similar username-based features.
The company emphasized that despite the introduction of usernames, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and other security measures will remain unchanged, ensuring that users’ conversations continue to stay private and secure.