WhatsApp is rolling out a significant update for its three billion users, introducing usernames and strengthening privacy options. The changes seek to face the advancement of competitors such as Apple and Google in the messaging platform scenario. The new feature means users no longer need to share their phone numbers to add new contacts.
This functionality is seen as an important advance in security and privacy. With it, WhatsApp positions itself at the forefront of technologies such as RCS, which Apple plans to incorporate into the iPhone, but which does not yet offer this level of anonymity. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is releasing usernames to beta testers, with a gradual rollout to all users over the coming months.
Usernames and Phone Protection
The main new feature of the update is the introduction of usernames. With this feature, users can create a unique identifier for their accounts. Isso means that to add a new contact or start a conversation, you will no longer need to share your personal phone number. The measure is considered a watershed for privacy in messages, especially in a scenario where the exposure of personal data is a constant concern.
Keeping your phone number private is a security and privacy benefit already offered by platforms like Signal and Telegram. The ability to add contacts without revealing the number is crucial to preventing the unwanted dissemination of personal information, minimizing the risk of spam, harassment or leaks. Essa additional protection strengthens WhatsApp’s position as a more secure communication tool, encouraging users to adopt the new setting as soon as it is available globally. The company is betting on simplicity of use combined with data protection to attract and retain its vast user base, differentiating itself from alternatives that still rely on the phone number as a primary identifier.
Temporary messages and “view once”
Another feature that WhatsApp improves and that distinguishes it from other systems is temporary messages, including the “see once” function. The application already allows you to configure media (photos and videos) to be viewed only once. Furthermore, it is possible to set entire conversations to disappear after a pre-determined period, such as 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days, which already offers a robust layer of control over the flow of information.
Still in development, but already flagged by WABetaInfo, the main source of information about WhatsApp beta updates, is the expansion of the “view once” functionality for texts. Este feature will allow text messages to be sent with the condition that they disappear from the conversation as soon as the recipient opens them. Essa innovation will make communication via text as ephemeral and private as a verbal conversation, simulating the naturalness of everyday interactions.
- Recursos Existing and future privacy policy:
- “View once” media messages: Fotos and videos disappear after viewing.
- Temporary chats: Conversas can be configured for automatic deletion at set deadlines.
- “View once” texts (under development): Mensagens of text will disappear after read by the recipient.
- Screenshot blocking for “view once” media: Impede the record of ephemeral visual content.
The combination of these features raises the level of privacy and discretion available to users. Este protection ecosystem, which allows you to control who sees messages and for how long, offers a safer communication experience, essential for sensitive data.
End-to-end encryption debate
Despite advances in privacy, the security of WhatsApp messages has been criticized by prominent technology figures such as Elon Musk and Telegram founder Eles who have questioned the integrity and practical protections provided by the platform’s encryption. The main criticism focuses on the way conversation backups are handled, arguing that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption (“E2E encryption”) may not be as comprehensive as it seems.
Pavel Durov, in a post on Platform X, stated that WhatsApp’s claim of “E2E encryption by default” is a “colossal consumer fraud.” Ele argues that approximately 95% of private messages on WhatsApp end up in plain text backups on Apple or Google’s servers. Encryption of these backups is optional and, according to Durov, few users enable it or use strong passwords to protect them. Essa flaw, if confirmed, would expose a significant vulnerability as the contents of the backups would be accessible to third parties without WhatsApp’s cryptographic protection. The company, for its part, has vehemently denied such allegations, reiterating its commitment to the privacy and security of its users and the effectiveness of its end-to-end encryption on all messaging traffic, including voice and video calls.
The competitive messaging landscape
The race for leadership in the messaging app market is increasingly fierce. With three billion users, WhatsApp holds a dominant position, but faces constant pressure from competitors seeking to attract users with innovative features and promises of greater privacy. Apple’s decision to integrate the RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard into the iPhone, while praised for improving interoperability between iPhone and Android users, is seen as a late move. RCS, even with the end-to-end encryption promised by Apple, still does not offer the ability to hide the phone number, a feature that WhatsApp now makes available.
The introduction of usernames and the expansion of “view once” messages are WhatsApp’s strategies to maintain its competitive advantage. By focusing on features that give users more control over their data and interactions, the platform tries to differentiate itself. Enquanto RCS focuses on standardizing the messaging experience across different operating systems, WhatsApp invests in privacy features that go beyond the basics. Esse movement could influence the strategies of other platforms, forcing them to further prioritize protecting the identity and content of their users’ communications. Continuous innovation is essential to remain relevant in this dynamic and highly competitive market, where user confidence in the security of their data is a decisive factor.
