What privacy settings has WhatsApp changed? | News
WhatsApp to Introduce Usernames for Privacy
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform used by over three billion people worldwide, will soon allow users to identify themselves by usernames instead of phone numbers, the company announced on Monday.
Owned by Meta, WhatsApp is utilized in more than 180 countries and supports 60 languages. The company plans a gradual rollout of unique usernames, with a wider implementation expected later this year.
The change aims to enhance privacy, a response to ongoing scrutiny regarding data protection practices. “We have designed this as a core privacy feature,” said Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s vice president of product, during a briefing with reporters.
Under the new system, users will be able to select phone number replacements in the form of usernames. The app will not maintain a public directory of usernames, nor will it provide autocomplete suggestions. This means that to contact someone for the first time, a user must know the exact username.
In a recent blog post, WhatsApp acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding the sharing of personal information. “When someone new walks into your life – a classmate, a neighbor, someone you meet at an event – sharing a phone number can feel like a big step,” the post stated. “Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits.”
To further protect users, WhatsApp has introduced several features aimed at preventing scams. Users can opt to add unique keys—short numbered codes—along with their usernames, requiring both for initial contact. Additionally, the platform will restrict the number of new accounts each user can contact to mitigate spam, while its systems will actively monitor and block abusive behavior.
Username Specifications and Claiming Process
Users, organizations, and content creators from Meta’s other platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, will have the opportunity to claim their usernames on WhatsApp as well. The usernames must be between three and 35 characters long and will be withheld from high-profile individuals and organizations to prevent impersonation.
To reserve a username, users must download the latest version of WhatsApp and follow the steps in the Settings tab under Account. This process must be completed on a smartphone, as it is not available through WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
Gradual Rollout Timeline
WhatsApp plans to implement this change gradually over the coming months, notifying users when the feature becomes available in their regions. The company has not provided a specific timeline, urging users to ensure they have the latest version of the app and to remain alert for updates.
Currently, WhatsApp’s privacy capabilities are limited to blocking individual contacts and silencing unknown callers. The introduction of usernames aims to enhance user privacy and security on the platform.
