WhatsApp keeps usernames a Hand mobile number remains private

In the summer of 2026, a warning circulated on social media platforms regarding the artificial intelligence feature introduced by WhatsApp. The message claimed that starting "Saturday," the AI would have access to all private chats, could view phone numbers, and extract personal data. This alert sparked concern among users, prompting multiple reports to fact-checking organizations such as CORRECTIV. Despite its widespread circulation, the claim turned out to be misleading.

The AI in question is part of Meta AI, launched by the parent company behind Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads in 2025. At that time, a similar chain letter had already made the rounds, but it too contained inaccuracies. According to CORRECTIV's investigation, the AI does not automatically gain access to all messages. Instead, users must explicitly share content with the AI for it to process. Personal messages remain protected under end-to-end encryption unless they are shared directly with the AI function.

Meta clarified that the AI can only read messages that users intentionally share with it. This includes chats where the user mentions "@Meta AI" or sends messages specifically to the AI. Additionally, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection confirmed that, based on current knowledge, the AI does not use chat contents for training purposes. The privacy of chat content remains safeguarded under the principle of telecommunication secrecy, which applies even to group chats.

Data protection concerns persist around Meta’s applications, including WhatsApp. While the AI uses public data for training, this typically involves posts, photos, comments, and other publicly available information from users over the age of majority. However, this does not imply automatic access to private messages or personal data. Users who wish to avoid sharing their messages with the AI should refrain from using the feature altogether.

In June 2026, another significant update was announced regarding WhatsApp. The service is introducing individual usernames, allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers. This change aims to enhance user privacy by providing an alternative means of identification within the app. The global phase for reserving desired names began in early June, with the actual feature rolling out later in the year.

Currently, the phone number linked to a WhatsApp account is visible to all chat partners. However, the new username system allows users to choose a unique identifier instead. This change aligns with WhatsApp's broader efforts to improve data protection. Alice Newton-Rex, Vice President of Product Development at WhatsApp, described the update as “the next major data protection upgrade” for the platform.

Despite these changes, the requirement to provide a phone number during registration remains unchanged. Users still need to enter their phone number when setting up an account, and it continues to be matched against others' address books. The new feature primarily affects situations where users interact with new contacts, allowing them to initiate conversations using just their chosen name rather than their phone number.

Other messaging apps have long offered similar features. For example, Signal has allowed users to hide their phone numbers behind usernames since early 2024. Telegram also supports communication via public usernames. For those seeking complete anonymity, alternatives like Threema and Session offer registration without requiring personal data such as phone numbers, relying instead on randomly generated IDs.

WhatsApp, as part of the Meta corporation, dominates the global market for messaging services with approximately three billion users worldwide. Competitors include Telegram, which has about one billion users, and Signal, which has grown steadily due to its focus on privacy, reaching an estimated 70 to 100 million users. Threema, while smaller with around ten million users, enjoys a good reputation in countries like Germany and Switzerland, particularly among privacy-conscious individuals and organizations.

As WhatsApp continues to evolve, updates aimed at enhancing user privacy reflect ongoing efforts to meet consumer demands and maintain competitiveness in the digital landscape. These developments underscore the importance of balancing technological innovation with robust data protection measures.