Indian media NDTV has reported that very soon WhatsApp will introduce the option to use usernames instead of phone numbers. As a result, when chatting with someone new, there will be no need to share personal numbers.
According to WhatsApp, each user will be able to choose a unique username according to their preference. This will further protect the privacy of users' phone numbers.
When the new feature is launched, a user's phone number will not be visible to others when joining a large group or exchanging messages with a person or organization for the first time. The username will be the primary identity for communication.
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Meta has said there will be no automatic suggestions or large username lists for finding users. Therefore, to contact someone, you will need to know their exact username.
With over three billion active WhatsApp users worldwide, it is not possible to launch the new feature for everyone at once. Therefore, this feature will be rolled out gradually in different countries over the next few months. Users will be notified when the feature is launched in their region.
Initially, entrepreneurs and small businesses will get the opportunity to use this facility. However, to use this feature, they must have an account on another Meta platform, such as Facebook or Instagram.