WhatsApp urges users to make major change ahead of new launch
WhatsApp is launching a major new feature designed to help people preserve their privacy by connecting without giving out phone numbers.
The Meta-owned messaging app is introducing a usernames feature that will allow people to connect with each other without needing to exchange numbers.
WhatsApp is launching a "usernames" feature for the first time. stockcam/iStock
“When someone new walks into your life - a classmate, a neighbour, someone you meet at an event - sharing a phone number can feel like a big step,” Meta said in a media release.
“That’s because a phone number is personal and it’s tied to so many parts of your life.
“Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits.”
Usernames will also allow people to establish group chats - for example, for a parenting group, sports team, or neighbourhood association - without requiring phone numbers to be shared with multiple people.
While the feature won’t launch until later this year, WhatsApp will from this week allow people to reserve their unique chosen username in preparation.
“With over three billion people on WhatsApp a lot of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them,” Meta said.
Meta advised people to pick a username that was unlikely to be randomly guessed and that related to a customer personally.
A username generator will also be able to offer advice.
Creators, small businesses, and organisations who already have a branded online presence will have the option to use their existing Instagram or Facebook username - social media sites also owned by Meta.
“There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” Meta’s release said.
“To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we’ve built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you.”
The update is aimed at protecting privacy, Meta says. Getty Images
WhatsApp will still be usable if a person does not enable their username, but their phone number will continue to be displayed.
People can register their username by opening WhatsApp, and selecting Settings > Account > Username.
WhatsApp users will be notified on the app when usernames are launched in their country.
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