ISLAMABAD: WhatsApp has launched a new privacy-based feature which will enable users to create a unique username, thus helping users to interact with new people without disclosing their mobile phone numbers.
This upgrade from the company is aimed at enhancing the privacy of its users by providing them with another way of interacting with other users via an alias. Users will no longer have to enter the phone number of someone in order to initiate a conversation but will instead use a username to contact each other.
So far, in order to begin a conversation on WhatsApp, one would need the mobile phone number of the person he wanted to communicate with.
How to Create a WhatsApp Username
For users with access to the feature, it is important to start with ensuring that their WhatsApp application is up-to-date.
Steps to create a username include the following:
Go to Settings within WhatsApp.
Tap on Account.
If the feature is activated for your account, the Username option appears.
Select an available unique username, and WhatsApp prompts you to choose another one if it has already been used.
Set the username to start sharing your username instead of your phone number while connecting with new people.
Privacy Advantages
Benefits of the new username include the following:
It is now possible to protect personal phone numbers from being disclosed to people whom you talk to for the first time.
People who work as journalists, business professionals, freelancers, or content creators can now communicate with their clients and audience without exposing personal phone numbers.
Groups and communities are likely to become more private due to reduced exposure of personal contact information.
It might be useful in avoiding unwanted calls, spam messages, and communication.
Phone Number Still Needed
As reported by WhatsApp, mobile phone numbers will still be required to create and verify accounts on the application. However, when initiating chats with new people, users will have the choice to use usernames rather than phone numbers.
The implementation of the new username feature is happening in stages, where during the initial launch stage only few users will have the ability to create and change usernames. This feature is anticipated to roll out globally within the next few months.
Those users who have not yet found the option “Username” should make sure to keep their app up to date.
The new username feature may be considered as one of the biggest privacy improvements for WhatsApp in recent times. The reason why it is so important is that it gives users an opportunity to communicate without giving their phone number.
