WhatsApp on Monday announced the introduction of a feature that will allow users to use usernames instead of phone numbers to initiate conversations, the move being presented as a further step to increase privacy.
Starting Monday, users can start reserving a username, which can be used later, with the full launch of the feature, scheduled for later this year, according to a statement from representatives of the WhatsApp application, owned by the company Meta.
The company explained that the decision comes in the context of more than three billion people using the app, which means that choosing unique names requires an advance booking stage.
“When a new person enters your life, such as a classmate, a neighbor, or someone you know at an event, sharing a phone number can seem like a big step because it’s associated with many aspects of your life. Sometimes you just want to have a conversation without giving out your phone number.”the WhatsApp statement said.
Platform representatives pointed out that the new option is also useful in group conversations, where users can avoid sharing their personal number with unknown people.
Once fully implemented, the function will allow the initiation of conversations based exclusively on the username, without the phone number being visible to the interlocutors. However, the number will remain necessary to create the account.
WhatsApp specifies that there will not be a public directory of usernames, and contacting a person will only be possible if their username is known.
To prevent abuses, the company also introduces an additional security option, o “key” associated with the username, which will be required to allow initial contact.
Users will also be able to choose to claim the same username across Instagram and Facebook platforms to maintain a unified online identity.
WhatsApp said the feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months, and users will be notified directly in the app when it becomes available in each region.
