By Abubakar Yunusa
Meta-owned messaging platform, WhatsApp, has announced plans to introduce usernames, allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers as part of efforts to strengthen privacy.
The company disclosed on Monday that the new feature would enable users to choose unique usernames that can be shared with family, friends and businesses instead of theirp mobile numbers.
According to WhatsApp, the update is designed to protect the privacy of users’ phone numbers by preventing them from being disclosed automatically in situations such as joining large group chats or contacting a person or business for the first time.
The company explained that users would only be reachable by those who know their exact usernames, stressing that there would be no public directory or username suggestions to make accounts discoverable.
WhatsApp said, “There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you.”
With more than three billion users worldwide, Meta acknowledged that not everyone may secure their preferred username because of the platform’s vast user base.
The company said the reservation of usernames would be introduced gradually across the world over the coming months, with users in each country receiving notifications when the feature becomes available.
It added that creators, small businesses and organisations would also be able to reserve WhatsApp usernames already in use on Meta’s sister platforms, Facebook and Instagram.
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