WhatsApp is set to implement a significant privacy update that will transform how users connect on the platform by replacing phone numbers with unique usernames. Owned by Meta, the messaging service will enable users to communicate without disclosing their personal phone numbers, marking one of the most substantial privacy changes in recent years.
This new feature will be rolled out gradually to almost three billion users worldwide over the next few months. Starting Monday, users can begin reserving usernames within the app, although opting in will be voluntary during the initial phase.
Once fully deployed, users will be able to connect simply by exchanging usernames, with phone numbers no longer visible to others on WhatsApp. However, a phone number will still be necessary to create an account.
The update aims to give users more control over their identity, particularly in group chats where many prefer not to share their personal contact information. Users will retain the ability to block or report unwanted contacts to maintain safety.
Usernames will be restricted to a maximum of 35 characters, and measures will be in place to prevent impersonation of public figures and celebrities.
Despite this privacy enhancement, experts warn that WhatsApp continues to collect metadata related to user activity. Messages remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring they cannot be accessed for advertising purposes.
In a significant development, this update follows a similar move by the messaging app Signal, which introduced username-based communication earlier in 2024.
When fully implemented, WhatsApp will no longer display users’ phone numbers to others, representing a quiet yet profound shift in how the world’s leading messaging platform approaches user privacy.
