WhatsApp to Let Users Hide Phone Numbers with Usernames: Report
In a bid to enhance user privacy, WhatsApp is reportedly planning to introduce a feature that will allow users to connect with each other through usernames instead of phone numbers. This new feature was recently spotted in beta testing versions of the app by WABetaInfo, a popular source for WhatsApp updates.
As per the reports, the username system will enable users to pick a unique identifier, eliminating the need to share their phone number when making new connections. This move is likely to be a significant step towards increasing user privacy and security on the platform.
The feature, which is still in development, has been spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp. WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates, shared screenshots of the feature, which show a new “username” field in the app’s profile settings.
Once the feature is rolled out, users will be able to create a unique username, which will serve as their identifier on the platform. This means that when a user wants to connect with someone new, they will not need to share their phone number. Instead, they can simply share their username, which will allow the other user to find and connect with them on WhatsApp.
This feature is likely to be a significant improvement over the current system, where users are required to share their phone number to join a WhatsApp group or chat with someone new. Phone numbers can be a sensitive piece of information, and sharing them can be risky, especially in cases where users are concerned about their privacy.
The introduction of usernames on WhatsApp also opens up new possibilities for the platform. For instance, users may be able to create multiple usernames for different purposes, such as personal and professional profiles. This could be particularly useful for individuals who want to separate their personal and professional lives on the platform.
Another potential benefit of usernames on WhatsApp is that it could make it easier for users to manage their online presence. With a username, users will be able to control who can find and connect with them on the platform. This could be particularly useful for individuals who want to limit their online interactions to specific groups or communities.
While the exact timeline for the rollout of this feature is not yet clear, it is likely that WhatsApp will announce more details in the coming weeks or months. When the feature is rolled out, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the change.
In the past, WhatsApp has made several significant changes to its platform, including the introduction of end-to-end encryption and the ability to delete messages. The introduction of usernames is likely to be another significant step forward for the platform, and it will be interesting to see how it affects user behavior and engagement on the platform.
In conclusion, the introduction of usernames on WhatsApp is likely to be a significant step forward for the platform, and it could have a number of positive benefits for users. By allowing users to connect with each other through unique identifiers, instead of phone numbers, WhatsApp is likely to improve user privacy and security on the platform. It will be interesting to see how this feature is rolled out and how it affects user behavior and engagement on the platform.
