WhatsApp to Introduce Usernames: A Shift in Privacy Controls
WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, is set to roll out a username feature that will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. The change, announced this week, is designed to enhance privacy by giving users more control over who can see their phone number.
With over three billion global users, WhatsApp has traditionally relied on phone numbers as the primary identifier. The upcoming update marks a departure from this system, where anyone with a user's phone number could contact them. The company stated that the new feature is "designed to protect the privacy of your phone number."
The update comes as Kunal Shah, founder of Indian fintech company CRED, takes charge of Meta's WhatsApp operations. Meta has invested $900 million in CRED, and Shah will retain a roughly 20% stake while stepping back from an executive role. The company aims to evolve WhatsApp into a "superapp" to capture a larger share of the growing online payments market.
How Will Usernames Work?
Users will be able to select a unique username, between three and 35 characters, that others can use to contact them instead of a phone number. The feature is primarily privacy-focused, not a social media identity tool. There will be no searchable directory or suggestions; people will need to know the exact username to initiate contact.
Users can set a "username key" to control who can message them for the first time. This key can be changed at any time. When a user messages someone using a username, their phone number will not be visible to the recipient. WhatsApp also recommends that users share their usernames only with trusted contacts. The app will offer a username generator for those who need help creating one.
Impact on Privacy
The change means that phone numbers will no longer be automatically visible in certain situations, such as when a user is added to large group chats or when messaging someone for the first time. This restriction ensures that phone numbers remain private unless the user chooses to share them. This is a significant shift from the current system, where phone numbers are often exposed in group conversations.
Reserving a Username
WhatsApp says the reservation process takes just a few seconds on the latest version of the app. Users can go to Settings, tap Account, and select Username to choose and reserve their unique username.
For Businesses, Creators, and Organizations
Companies, organizations, and creators with existing accounts on Instagram and Facebook will have the opportunity to claim their usernames on WhatsApp. This is intended to help maintain a consistent online presence across platforms.
Preventing Impersonation
To reduce the risk of impersonation, WhatsApp will reserve certain usernames linked to high-profile individuals or groups, including celebrities, public figures, and government entities. These names will be held back to prevent misuse.
Rollout Timeline
The rollout will occur in stages. Starting this week, users can reserve a username. The feature itself will launch later this year, with gradual introduction over the coming months. Users will be notified in the app when it becomes available in their country. WhatsApp has opened early reservations due to its large user base, stating, "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."
Why Early Reservation Matters
With millions of users likely to choose similar names, reserving early gives people a better chance of securing their preferred username. The company emphasizes that timing is important for this process.
