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WhatsApp to ditch phone numbers for usernames in privacy upgrade
🇰🇼 Kuwait /Technology

WhatsApp to ditch phone numbers for usernames in privacy upgrade

From Arab Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • WhatsApp is introducing a new feature allowing users to select unique usernames instead of using their phone numbers to connect.
  • The company, owned by Meta Platforms, aims to enhance user privacy by enabling contact through usernames, with reservations opening early for existing Meta account holders.
  • This move addresses a privacy concern where users could previously only be contacted by those who possessed their phone number.

WhatsApp is rolling out a significant privacy update that will allow its over 3 billion global users to connect via unique usernames, moving away from the long-standing requirement of sharing phone numbers. The feature, set to launch later this year, will enable users to reserve their chosen handles, with Meta Platforms prioritizing existing account holders on Instagram and Facebook for early access.

We have designed this as a core privacy feature.

— Alice Newton-RexWhatsApp’s vice president of product, explaining the rationale behind the new username feature.

This new system aims to close a privacy gap, as previously, anyone with a user's phone number could initiate contact on the app. While WhatsApp offers some privacy controls like blocking and silencing unknown callers, the username feature provides a more proactive way to manage contact.

Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp's vice president of product, emphasized the feature's core privacy design, noting the absence of a username directory and the need for exact matches to initiate contact. This approach prevents unsolicited discovery and mirrors the coveted nature of online handles, potentially leading to a scramble for desirable usernames.

People will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.

— Alice Newton-RexWhatsApp’s vice president of product, detailing how the username system will function.

The app's move is particularly relevant in regions where WhatsApp is a primary communication tool, contrasting with the continued preference for traditional text messaging in the United States. The introduction of usernames is expected to be a highly anticipated development for its vast user base.

I think a lot of people will go and get usernames and that’s why we decided to open reservations early.

— Alice Newton-RexWhatsApp’s vice president of product, anticipating user demand for the new feature.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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