WhatsApp has announced that users will soon have the option to use usernames instead of phone numbers, addressing a privacy concern. The messaging app has initiated the ability for users to reserve unique usernames, which can be utilized for communication once the new feature is rolled out later this year. With over three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has traditionally allowed users to be reached by anyone with their phone number.
In a recent blog post, WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, disclosed that in the upcoming months, users will have the choice to be contacted solely through their username rather than their phone number. This change is being positioned as a core privacy feature, according to Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s vice president of product. The app will not offer a directory of usernames or suggest names as users type, ensuring that individuals must know the exact username to initiate contact.
Regarding privacy settings, WhatsApp currently enables users to block specific individuals and silence unknown callers. While profile names can be added, these are only visible in chat groups for users who do not have the contact saved. Although text messaging remains popular in the United States, WhatsApp is widely embraced in Europe, Asia, and various other regions across the globe.
The introduction of usernames is expected to trigger a rush for appealing handles, with users likely eager to secure desirable options. Newton-Rex mentioned that many individuals are anticipated to secure usernames, prompting the early opening of reservations. Moreover, entities with established accounts on Meta’s social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook will have the opportunity to claim their usernames on WhatsApp.
Usernames must range between three and 35 characters, and to prevent impersonation, WhatsApp will reserve certain usernames for high-profile individuals or entities such as celebrities, public figures, and government bodies.