WhatsApp to introduce ‘usernames feature’ for enhanced privacy

The world’s leading messaging App, WhatsApp, is working to launch a long-anticipated usernames feature.

According to details exposed by WABetaInfo, a system on the messaging platform is in a testing phase that will let users communicate without sharing their contact numbers.

At the moment, WhatsApp needs users to exchange phone numbers to start a chat, raising privacy issues.

The upcoming usernames feature will enable users to create dedicated usernames similar to Telegram and Signal’s features, ensuring the numbers are not shared.

Under the new system, users will generate a unique identifier, which others can use to start a conversation. While the username will still be linked to a phone number behind the scenes, only the handle will be visible to others. WhatsApp has set formatting rules for usernames:

• Must be 3 to 30 characters long
• Must include at least one letter
• Can contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores
• Cannot start with “www.” or end with a domain like “.com”

Under this usernames feature, users will have the flexibility to change their usernames, with updates visible to contacts, a transparency feature designed to prevent impersonation. Additionally, WhatsApp is rolling out a handle availability checker on its web platform, making it easier for users to claim their preferred username.

While WhatsApp has not officially confirmed the release date, ongoing tests suggest the feature may roll out worldwide soon.

If implemented, this would be one of the most significant updates to WhatsApp’s privacy model in years, giving users more control over how they connect, especially in public groups, temporary chats, or professional exchanges

Read More: WhatsApp to introduce status sharing feature for privacy control

WhatsApp, the world’s top messaging app, owned by Meta, is working on a status sharing feature to give users better control over status and updates.

This new feature will allow users to choose whether their contacts can forward or share their status.

Initially, the Status sharing feature was discovered in the Android Beta version 2.25.16.16 and is likely to be launched globally in the coming weeks.