WhatsApp has unveiled a new username feature that will allow users to connect with others without having to share their phone numbers, marking a major privacy update for the messaging platform.
The Meta-owned app said the feature will be introduced to its more than three billion users worldwide over the next few months.
From Monday, users can begin reserving their preferred usernames through the app. The company, however, noted that creating a username will be optional, and users who prefer to continue using their phone numbers can do so.
Once the feature is available, users will be able to exchange usernames instead of phone numbers when initiating chats, helping them keep their personal contact information private.
WhatsApp also said users will be free to edit or delete their usernames whenever they wish, while existing security features such as blocking and reporting suspicious or unwanted contacts will remain in place.
To discourage impersonation, usernames will have a maximum length of 35 characters and will be subject to restrictions aimed at preventing people from posing as celebrities, public figures, and other well-known individuals.
According to the company, the update is intended to give users greater control over their privacy, particularly when communicating with people they do not wish to share their personal phone numbers with.
