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WhatsApp is allowing users to reserve usernames that will hide their phone numbers from people not in their contact list when the feature fully rolls out.
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Users may create an optional PIN that others must use to send them messages and there will be some reserved usernames exclusively for governments, public officials, and businesses.
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The addition of this feature is in alignment with other messaging platforms such as Signal and Telegram, which already offer users the opportunity to take advantage of usernames for privacy purposes.
WhatsApp will finally be releasing its long-awaited privacy feature where the user will have an option to hide their phone number. Also, they can have a unique name to use on the WhatsApp platform.
On Monday, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, announced that users can now reserve their username and that it will gradually roll out the new feature over the next few months and will send users notifications as the feature becomes available in their area.
This added feature gives users more control of their personal privacy. Users can choose a username if they don’t want to share their phone number with a stranger. This follows a similar feature that is already available on other messaging platforms, such as Signal and Telegram.
The feature also includes a security key that people must have to send a message to another user. This adds another layer of protection against unwanted contact.
How the new username feature works
A user can set their own personalized username. This will be by accessing their app’s settings and selecting the option to set a username, after updating the app. The earliest to reserve their desired username will have priority over those who wait for the feature launch before doing so.
After the new feature goes live, individuals not having the phone number of a particular user within their contact lists will instead see the user’s username when interacting with that user.
This provides a secure way to communicate with someone without exposing their phone number to users outside the person’s contacts or other people found via group messages or channels.
Users can change or delete their reserved username at any time. However, deleting a username makes it available for someone else to claim. The company advised users to choose carefully and stick with their selection.
The platform has set aside certain names for official entities, well-known personalities, and corporate accounts. Regular users cannot claim these names. Meta said this prevents impersonation and protects the identities of high-profile individuals and organizations.
There is no directory or suggestion system for usernames. People must know the exact username to contact someone for the first time. This design choice prevents random people from finding users through searches.
Privacy benefits and user control
The announcement of new usernames is a big development regarding privacy for WhatsApp users. The platform has over three billion users across 180 different nations. Many users have previously requested the ability to hide their phone numbers.
With the addition of an optional username key, WhatsApp users now have another layer of control. They can choose who can send them messages by issuing this key to only those individuals they trust. Until the user gives out their username, even people who know them cannot send them a message.
Meta indicates that the new username function is yet another feature in their suite of services designed to enhance user privacy. And users already have the option to regulate and control who is able to view their last seen, profile photo, and status. The username feature adds another layer of protection.
The company noted that using usernames will protect the user’s privacy when joining a group or engaging in conversations within a community. Also, it helps those users who are uncomfortable sharing their phone number for safety concerns.
These are individuals such as journalists, activists, and otherwise sensitive individuals who may need to communicate anonymously to safeguard their identity.
Comparison with other platforms and industry context
WhatsApp’s addition of username support is consistent with that of other messaging systems which have already offered this feature. For example, two years ago, Signal enabled users to choose their own usernames after previously testing this option the previous year. Also, Telegram has allowed users to use usernames for several years.
The decision to reserve usernames early addresses a practical challenge. With over three billion users, many common names are already not available. Allowing early reservations gives everyone a fair chance to claim their preferred username.
Meta’s announcement did not specify how long the early reservation period will last. Users should act quickly if they want a specific username. Popular names are likely to run out fast.
The feature could also reduce spam and unwanted messages. When phone numbers are hidden behind usernames, scammers have a harder time targeting random users. The optional key adds another barrier against unsolicited contact.
The need for such protections is clear. Recently, Google shut down a massive proxy network that secretly abused millions of Android phones, highlighting how users’ devices and data can be exploited without their knowledge.
Signal’s earlier launch of custom usernames showed strong demand for such features. That platform’s users quickly embraced the ability to hide their phone numbers. WhatsApp’s much larger user base may see even greater adoption.
