WhatsApp has introduced a significant change for its users, allowing them to communicate without revealing their phone numbers. Instead of using phone numbers, users can now use unique usernames. This new feature will be gradually rolled out to the three billion users worldwide over the coming months. Starting yesterday, users have been able to reserve a username through the app, although this is not mandatory. According to the company, users can change or remove their chosen username at any time.
Once fully activated, users will be able to establish contact by exchanging only usernames. The option to block or report unwanted messages will still remain available. Usernames can contain up to 35 characters with minimal restrictions. However, names associated with certain high-profile officials and celebrities will not be accessible to other users. As a result, it is unlikely that many users will adopt names such as Donald Trump's.
The company, which is owned by Meta, describes this update as a privacy-enhancing feature. Alice Newton-Rex, Director of Product Development at WhatsApp, mentioned that users often expressed a desire to avoid sharing their phone numbers to maintain contact with others, particularly in group conversations. She hopes the new feature will give users more control over how they present themselves within the application.
WhatsApp states that the username function will help users keep their phone numbers private. The secure messaging app Signal had already introduced a similar feature back in 2024. Carissa Veliz, a professor at the University of Oxford and author of the book Privacy is Power, considers this a positive addition but warns that WhatsApp is not primarily focused on user privacy. She notes that while the feature offers increased privacy, the overall platform does not prioritize user data protection. Additionally, she reminds users that WhatsApp is owned by Meta, one of the technology companies with the worst reputation regarding privacy protection.
Although WhatsApp does not use the content of private conversations for advertising purposes—these conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning the company cannot read message content—it does utilize some data, such as information about who users communicate with and when, for advertising support.
When the new feature is fully implemented, phone numbers will no longer be visible to other users on WhatsApp. There will be no public directory of usernames, and a phone number will still be required to open a WhatsApp account. The minimum age for using the platform remains 13 years old, and messaging apps will not be affected by the upcoming ban on social media use for individuals under 16 in the United Kingdom, set to take effect next year.
Recently, WhatsApp announced that Kunal Shah, founder of an Indian fintech startup, will take over the role of head of the platform, following Will Cathcart’s departure after seven years in the position, according to BBC reports.
Users who wish to choose a username will find the option in the settings section of the WhatsApp app after tapping their profile picture. They can also transfer their existing Facebook or Instagram usernames to WhatsApp. Once usernames are enabled in WhatsApp, there will be no directory or search functionality for these usernames, nor will there be suggestions. Users will need to know someone's exact username to contact them for the first time. To combat spam, WhatsApp has created an optional username key that others must know to send messages to a user.
With the introduction of this feature, WhatsApp aims to provide users with greater flexibility and privacy options while maintaining the integrity of its communication platform. The gradual rollout ensures that users can adapt to the changes without disruption. As the feature becomes widely available, it will be interesting to observe how users embrace the new system and whether it leads to a shift in how people interact within the app.
2 reports
N1 Bosna i HercegovinaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 856 days agoWhatsApp is introducing a new feature allowing users to communicate using unique usernames instead of their phone numbers, enhancing privacy by keeping phone numbers private. The update will gradually roll out to three billion users worldwide over the next few months. Users can choose to register a username, which is optional, and they can change or remove it at any time. Once fully implemented, users will be able to connect solely through usernames, though phone numbers will still be required to create an account. High-profile individuals' names will not be available as usernames. While the feature improves user privacy, experts note that WhatsApp, owned by Meta, still collects metadata for advertising purposes, despite end-to-end encryption protecting message content.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a technological update to WhatsApp focused on user privacy features. It provides balanced information, including both the benefits of the feature and expert critiques regarding Meta's data practices. There is no clear ideological framing or emphasis on political aspects.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): This article provides detailed and accurate information about the new feature, including the timeline, user name restrictions, and quotes from company representatives. It maintains a neutral tone and presents the information objectively, though it includes a brief mention of Signal as a comparison,
Klix.baIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 756 days agoWhatsApp is introducing user names as a feature starting this week, allowing users to choose a display name separate from their phone number. This change aims to provide more privacy by letting users communicate without sharing their phone numbers, especially in group chats where participants might not want to reveal their contact information. Users will be able to select a username through WhatsApp settings after tapping their profile photo, and they can also transfer their existing Facebook or Instagram usernames to WhatsApp. However, there will be no directory or search function for usernames, meaning users must know someone’s exact username to message them directly. To combat spam, WhatsApp has introduced an optional username key that others need to know in order to send messages.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a new technological feature introduced by WhatsApp, focusing on functionality, user privacy, and anti-spam measures. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues, making the content apolitical.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article accurately describes the introduction of user names on WhatsApp, including details like the number of users, potential chaos, and the process for reserving names. It aligns with the cross-source consensus. However, it uses somewhat emotive language ('haos') and lacks some specific detail
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