Revolution on WhatsApp: Soon Usernames for More Privacy 🔒

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WhatsApp is about to take a new step in terms of privacy and security. In the near future, users will be able to communicate without necessarily sharing their phone number, thanks to the introduction of unique usernames.

Usernames for more privacy 🔒

WhatsApp’s new feature, still under development, will allow users to choose a unique username for their account. This innovation, inspired by apps like Signal, would offer an alternative to sharing phone numbers to initiate conversations on the platform. In practice, this means you’ll be able to exchange with other users using only your username, without ever revealing your phone number.

According to information revealed by WABetaInfo, this feature was spotted in the beta version 2.24.18.2 of the Android app. The username would offer users greater flexibility in managing their privacy. Current contacts will continue to see your phone number, but for new interactions, you can opt to use your username.

Source: WABetaInfo

This also applies to interactions in communities and channels. These formats are increasingly popular among users. By adopting usernames, WhatsApp would facilitate interactions. Indeed, users would no longer fear exposing their phone numbers to strangers.

A PIN code to enhance security 🗝️

To further strengthen security, WhatsApp is also working on introducing an optional PIN code associated with the username. This code, at least four digits long, will need to be entered by anyone wishing to contact you for the first time via your username. This adds an extra layer of protection, thus reducing the risks of spam and unwanted messages.

Users will be able to choose a PIN code they’re comfortable sharing with others, while avoiding including sensitive information, such as the two-step verification code. Once the PIN code is set, it will need to be shared with people you want to add to your contacts. However, existing conversations will not be affected by this new measure.

A response to growing security concerns 🛡️

This evolution is part of a broader trend by Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, to strengthen the security and privacy of its messaging services. It follows other recent measures aimed at limiting unwanted notifications and making the app safer for its users.

Although the deployment date of these new features remains unknown, their development demonstrates WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to improving the user experience while enhancing privacy protection.

Do you regularly use WhatsApp? If so, what do you think of this feature? Let us know in the comments.