WhatsApp, the world’s leading messaging platform, is preparing to roll out one of its biggest privacy updates yet a move that could see traditional phone numbers replaced by unique usernames. The new feature, currently being tested in beta, signals a significant shift in how users connect and interact on the app.
The WhatsApp usernames feature will allow users to create personalized handles that can be shared instead of phone numbers. This represents a dramatic improvement in privacy and convenience, aligning WhatsApp with modern social apps like Telegram and Instagram.
For years, WhatsApp users have had to share their personal phone numbers to start conversations, often exposing private information in large groups or business interactions. The introduction of usernames aims to change that dynamic completely. With the update, users can initiate chats, join communities, or share their profiles using only their chosen username, keeping their numbers private.
Leaked screenshots from WhatsApp’s beta version reveal a new “Username” field in user profiles, suggesting that users will soon be able to create unique handles and control whether their numbers remain visible. This update will not only simplify how users connect but also provide greater security in everyday interactions.
However, experts have pointed out that the shift to usernames could also bring challenges such as username squatting and impersonation — issues common to other social platforms. WhatsApp is reportedly developing additional verification systems to ensure safety and prevent the misuse of similar usernames.
If testing continues smoothly, the update will mark a defining moment in WhatsApp’s evolution — transforming the app from a number-based chat platform into a more private, personalized network for over two billion users worldwide.
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