New WhatsApp feature will allow communication via usernames without exposing phones
The messaging app WhatsApp will now allow its users to chat with each other by exchanging only unique usernames, eliminating the need to disclose personal phone numbers. This functionality promises greater control over privacy.
The communication platform, which reaches around three billion users globally, announced that the implementation of this tool will take place in the coming months.
This week marks the beginning of the period in which users will be able to select and reserve a username of their choice within the application itself, although the action is not mandatory. The company clarified that usernames can be changed or removed at any time, depending on the individual’s needs.
After fully activating the system, it will be possible to start conversations on WhatsApp using just the username. Additionally, existing tools for blocking and reporting unwanted messages will continue to be available.
Usernames will be limited to 35 characters and will face few restrictions, except for the names of public figures or authorities that will not be available for common use. This means that the platform should not be filled with multiple profiles using the names of personalities like Donald Trump.
Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, highlighted this innovation as a significant advance in terms of privacy for its users.
More on this story: WhatsApp releases username reservation; learn how to protect your account and avoid unwanted messages
Alice Newton-Rex, who serves as WhatsApp’s head of product, said demand for this feature came from users themselves, who expressed discomfort with sharing their phone numbers, especially in large chat groups.
She expressed the expectation that the functionality will offer users greater autonomy over how they want to be identified and interact within the application.
Steps to secure your username on the WhatsApp app
Meta reported that the availability of usernames on WhatsApp will happen “gradually over the coming months”, with notices being sent to users as the option is released.
For those interested in securing a username on WhatsApp, the process can be carried out through the account settings or profile within the application.
The specific option to click and reserve the username will appear in the application as soon as it is available for each account.
Learn more: WhatsApp gains username protection with special access key
It is important to note that reserving usernames will not be accessible in the WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp desktop versions.
The company also mentioned that it will offer an alternative for content creators, small businesses and organizations to maintain the uniformity of their usernames, allowing them to claim the same name already used on Instagram or Facebook.
However, for other users who want their WhatsApp username to be identical to those on other Meta apps, they will need to link their existing accounts through the Account Center.
This linking implies that some data can be shared between different Meta accounts, such as Threads and Messenger, which is a point to consider for privacy.
Some users have already expressed on social media that the option to reserve a username has not yet appeared in their applications.
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The company’s official recommendation is that users “make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp downloaded and stay tuned to the application” so as not to miss the notification.
Data privacy analysis and challenges on WhatsApp
The Signal messaging app, known for its focus on security, implemented a service with identical features in 2024, indicating a trend in the communications market.
Carisa Veliz, professor at the University of Oxford and author of the book “Privacity is Power”, recognized the usefulness of the new feature, but highlighted that, even with an increase in the privacy offered, WhatsApp cannot be considered an application that prioritizes privacy in its general model.
On the same topic: WhatsApp makes usernames available in beta phase for greater privacy of phone numbers
She recalled that the platform “collects a lot of metadata about users for marketing purposes.”
Veliz also emphasized that “we have to remember that WhatsApp belongs to Meta, one of the technology companies with the worst records in terms of privacy”, reinforcing the need for caution.
It is important to clarify that WhatsApp does not use the content of private conversations to target advertising. These communications are protected by end-to-end encryption, which prevents the company from reading the content of the messages.
However, the platform uses other types of data, such as general location and basic account information (age), to serve ads to users.
Once the usernames feature is fully implemented, individual phone numbers will no longer be visible to other contacts on WhatsApp.
A public directory of usernames will not be created, and the requirement for a phone number to have a WhatsApp account will remain unchanged.
More on this story: New username function on WhatsApp worries authorities due to risks of fraud and false identity
Some people have already expressed concern that the introduction of usernames could open new doors for scams and fraud within the platform.
The company responded to a question from a user on the X platform about security measures, stating that it has “multiple layers of defense in place” to protect its users.
The advisory detailed that optional username keys, which are short numeric codes, can be added. This means that only those who have both the username and the associated key will be able to make contact.
In addition, WhatsApp assured that its systems are programmed to “detect and block patterns of abuse” proactively.
The minimum age to use the platform is 13 years old. In the UK, messaging apps will not be included in the upcoming ban on social media for under-16s, set to come into force next year.
Recently, WhatsApp announced that Kunal Shah, founder of an Indian financial technology startup, will take over the leadership of the platform, succeeding Will Cathcart, who leaves the position after seven years.
