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WhatsApp to allow chat without phone numbers using usernames
🇮🇪 Ireland /Technology

WhatsApp to allow chat without phone numbers using usernames

From RTÉ News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature allowing users to create unique usernames to chat without sharing phone numbers.
  • This privacy-focused update aims to protect users' phone numbers from being automatically shared in group chats or with new contacts.
  • The company will gradually release username reservations globally over the coming months, with special provisions for creators and businesses.

WhatsApp is introducing a significant privacy enhancement by allowing users to communicate using unique usernames instead of their phone numbers.

WhatsApp users will no longer have to share phone numbers to exchange messages as part of the latest update to the service.

— WhatsAppWhatsApp announced that users will not need to share phone numbers for messaging.

The messaging giant, owned by Meta, announced the upcoming feature designed to safeguard users' phone numbers. Previously, sharing a phone number was often a prerequisite for initiating a chat, whether with a new contact, business, or within a large group. This new system aims to prevent the automatic dissemination of personal numbers.

With usernames, users will have more control over their privacy. Meta stated that there will be no directory or suggestion system for usernames, meaning individuals must know a specific username to initiate contact. This approach is intended to enhance user privacy and reduce unsolicited contact.

Meta - the owner of WhatsApp - said the move is 'designed to protect the privacy of your phone number'.

— MetaMeta explained the primary purpose of the username feature is to protect users' phone number privacy.

The rollout of username reservations will be gradual, occurring worldwide over the next few months. WhatsApp will notify users in each country as the feature becomes available. Additionally, creators, small businesses, and organizations will have the opportunity to reserve usernames they already utilize on Meta's other platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, ensuring brand consistency across services.

Restricting access to numbers would mean they are not shared automatically in cases such as being added to a large group chat or messaging a person or a business for the first time, the company added.

— WhatsAppThe company elaborated on how the feature prevents automatic sharing of numbers in various scenarios.

This move by WhatsApp aligns with broader trends in digital communication, where privacy and user control are increasingly prioritized. By decoupling communication from phone numbers, WhatsApp is offering a more anonymous and secure way for its billions of users to connect.

'there's no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,' Meta said.

— MetaMeta described the username system's design, emphasizing the need for exact username knowledge to initiate contact.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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