- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,181.10+0.26%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,275-0.28%
- October 17, 202613°
- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,181.10+0.26%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,275-0.28%
- October 17, 202613°
WhatsApp announces username feature, enabling chat without phone numbers
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will affect its 3 billion users, allowing communication via username instead of phone number. Users will be able to chat with others without sharing their numbers, thanks to the feature that will be rolled out gradually this year.
WhatsApp is ushering in a new era for its over 3 billion users worldwide. The company is implementing a feature that will identify users by username instead of phone number.
The username era begins
The popular messaging app under Meta announced on Monday that users will soon be able to reserve unique usernames, with the feature's widespread rollout taking place within this year.
With the new system, users will become findable and reachable only by their usernames. WhatsApp is used in over 180 countries and 60 languages.
Why the change?
According to the company, this step aims to improve the privacy features of the platform, which has long been criticized for its data protection practices. WhatsApp Vice President of Product Alice Newton-Rex said, "We designed this as a fundamental privacy feature."
WhatsApp's blog post included the following statements: "When a new person enters your life – a classmate, neighbor, or someone you meet at an event – sharing a phone number can feel like a big step. Because a phone number is personal and connected to many areas of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without giving your number."
How will usernames work?
Usernames will be between 3 and 35 characters. To prevent impersonation, usernames for well-known individuals or groups such as celebrities, public figures, and government institutions will be reserved by WhatsApp.
Companies, organizations, and content creators with existing accounts on other Meta platforms such as Instagram and Facebook will be able to claim the same usernames on WhatsApp.
To reserve a username, users need to download the latest version of WhatsApp and follow the Settings > Account > Username menu. This can only be done via smartphone; reservation is not possible through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
Additional security measures
WhatsApp stated that optional username keys (short number codes) can be added, so that only people with both the username and the key can reach a user.
To combat spam accounts, the number of new people each account can contact will be limited. Additionally, the company's systems will now be able to detect and block "abuse patterns."
When will it be available?
WhatsApp announced that it will gradually roll out the username feature in the coming months and will notify users via the app when it becomes available in their countries. However, no exact timeline was given. The company recommends users download the latest version of WhatsApp and follow the app.
WhatsApp's current privacy settings were limited to blocking individual users and muting unknown callers.
Stay Updated with The Turkiye Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
