Instant messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a new username feature aimed at strengthening user privacy by allowing people to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
According to the company, the feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months to WhatsApp’s nearly 3 billion users worldwide.
Once available, users will be able to start conversations by sharing their usernames instead of their phone numbers. The platform will also continue to provide options to block or report unwanted contacts.
WhatsApp said usernames can contain up to 35 characters, and users will be able to change or delete their usernames at any time.
The company added that the names of well-known public figures and senior government officials will be reserved and unavailable to general users in an effort to prevent impersonation and fraud.
Owned by Meta, WhatsApp described the new username feature as a significant step towards improving user privacy and providing a safer messaging experience.
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