WhatsApp usernames will let users chat without automatically sharing phone numbers, Meta-owned WhatsApp said on Monday in a privacy update.
The company said users will be able to choose unique usernames and share them with others instead of disclosing their phone numbers.
WhatsApp said the change aims to protect phone-number privacy when users join large group chats or message a person or business for the first time.
Meta said WhatsApp will not offer a browsable username directory or suggestions.
People will need to know the exact username before they can contact another user, the company said. AP reported that the feature remains in the reservation phase and will roll out later this year.
Meta says WhatsApp has more than three billion users worldwide, which means many users may not get their first-choice handle.
Meta said it will gradually roll out username reservations worldwide “over the coming months” and notify users when reservations open in their country.
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WhatsApp will also allow creators, small businesses and organisations to claim usernames they already use on Facebook or Instagram.
