WhatsApp dumps use of phone number, introduces username
WhatsApp Introduces Username Reservations to Enhance User Privacy
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a username reservation feature aimed at enhancing user privacy by allowing individuals to connect without disclosing their phone numbers. The company announced the initiative on Monday, indicating that the reservation process commenced on June 29, with a complete rollout expected later this year.
Once available, users will receive in-app notifications to initiate the reservation of their desired usernames. This new feature is intended to provide users greater control over their privacy when communicating with new contacts. Instead of sharing personal phone numbers, users can connect through a unique username.
WhatsApp clarified that there will be no public directory or username suggestions, meaning that individuals must know the exact username of a user they wish to contact for the first time. Additionally, the platform will offer an optional “username key,” an extra security measure that requires first-time contacts to enter a unique key before sending messages, further protecting against unwanted communication.
“Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature,” the company stated. “With over three billion people on WhatsApp, many names overlap. That’s why we’re opening reservations early to give everyone an opportunity to secure the username that matters to them.”