Meta’s instant messaging app WhatsApp announced on the 29th that with an upcoming update, hundreds of millions of users who communicate with friends and businesses using the app will no longer have to share their phone numbers.
This means that approximately 3 billion WhatsApp users worldwide can choose a username for their account, allowing them to contact others on WhatsApp without revealing their mobile numbers.
WhatsApp stated that users will be able to choose a unique username to share with others, a move aimed at protecting the privacy of your phone number.
The statement pointed out that restricting access to phone numbers means that in situations such as being added to large group chats or sending a message to an individual or business for the first time, your phone number will not be automatically shared.
WhatsApp’s Head of Product, Rex, said that with usernames, users will have better control over who can see their phone number when interacting with new contacts or joining groups.
In addition, Meta stated, “WhatsApp will not have a browsable directory of usernames, nor will there be friend suggestions, so people must know your exact username in order to contact you.”
Meta said that over the coming months, the username reservation feature will be rolled out gradually worldwide, and users will be notified when the feature becomes available in their country.
Additionally, creators, small businesses, and organizations that use WhatsApp will be allowed to claim the usernames they already use on Meta’s other products, Facebook or Instagram.