WhatsApp introduces username feature to protect user privacy

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a new username feature designed to enhance users privacy.

According to details released by WhatsApp, users will no longer need to share their phone numbers to connect with family, friends or other people through the app.

The report states that the new username feature will allow users to choose a unique username enabling them to keep their phone numbers private while communicating on WhatsApp.

Meta explained that limiting access to phone numbers means that when users join a WhatsApp group or send a message to a person or organization for the first time their phone numbers will not be automatically shared with other users.

The company added that once a user selects a username anyone wishing to contact them on WhatsApp will need to know their exact username.

Meta also noted that with nearly 3 billion WhatsApp users worldwide, some users may not be able to obtain their preferred username because it may already be taken.

The company further stated that the names of well-known public figures and senior government officials will not be available for general users to prevent impersonation and fraud.

The new feature is also expected to benefit content creators, small businesses and organization’s allowing them to use the same usernames they already have on other platforms such as Instagram and Facebook on WhatsApp as well.