WhatsApp has announced a new feature that will allow users to utilize usernames instead of phone numbers, aiming to enhance privacy within the app. Users can now reserve unique usernames that will serve as their contact identifier when the feature is rolled out later this year. This update comes as WhatsApp, a messaging platform with over three billion users worldwide, previously allowed anyone with a user’s phone number to contact them.
In a recent blog post, WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, shared that users will soon have the option to be discovered and contacted solely by their username rather than their phone number. This change is emphasized as a significant privacy enhancement by Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s vice president of product. Notably, the app will not feature a username directory or suggest names as users type, ensuring privacy protection.
To initiate contact, individuals will need to know the exact username of the person they wish to communicate with. The usernames must be between three and 35 characters in length. Notably, high-profile individuals such as celebrities, public figures, and government entities will have their usernames reserved to prevent impersonation.
With the introduction of this feature, users are expected to rush to secure desirable usernames. Companies, organizations, and creators with existing accounts on Meta’s other platforms like Instagram and Facebook will also have the opportunity to claim their usernames on WhatsApp. While text messaging remains popular in the United States, WhatsApp enjoys widespread usage in Europe, Asia, and other regions across the globe.