WhatsApp has rolled out one of its biggest privacy upgrades to date by introducing usernames. This update will allow users to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers. This feature aims to address a long-standing privacy concern for users on the messaging platform. CEO Kunal Shah has urged everyone to reserve their preferred usernames early as the feature begins rolling out globally.
Earlier, WhatsApp users were required to provide their mobile phone number to communicate. However, this will change as users can now use a username instead to communicate with others.
The purpose of this update is to give people more privacy about their personal data, particularly when communicating with strangers, business contacts, communities, and creators. While people will require a phone number to sign up for WhatsApp, they won't have to share it with everyone they communicate with.
WhatsApp further noted, “With over three billion people on WhatsApp, a lot of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them.”
In an official blog post, Kunal Shah said that username registration is now open. Users are encouraged to register usernames they may use on other social media networks. Popular usernames will soon be taken up. Businesses and celebrities can also benefit from consistent user identities.
Users running the latest version of WhatsApp can reserve a username by navigating to Settings > Account > Username on Android or the profile section on iOS.
Each username must be unique and comply with WhatsApp's naming guidelines. If a preferred handle is unavailable, users will need to choose an alternative. The rollout is happening in phases, and the feature may not appear for every account soon.
WhatsApp has built several safeguards into the feature. Usernames will not appear in a public directory, meaning people must know the exact username before initiating contact. To reduce the risk of impersonation, all celebrity accounts will not use any famous names that might confuse other users. There will also be an optional username key that provides an additional layer of security by limiting who can contact the user.
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