WhatsApp to let users connect through usernames

PARIS: WhatsApp said it will begin allowing users to choose unique usernames, removing the need to share phone numbers when contacting others on the platform.

The Meta-owned messaging service said on Monday that the change is intended to strengthen privacy by limiting when phone numbers are automatically visible. According to the company, this would apply in situations such as joining a large group chat or messaging a person or business for the first time.

In a statement, WhatsApp said the feature was "designed to protect the privacy of your phone number, while Meta added that "there’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you, meaning users will not be discoverable through a public listing."

Meta says WhatsApp has more than three billion users, which means some people may not be able to secure their preferred username. The company said username reservations would be introduced gradually around the world over the coming months, with users to be notified in their countries when the feature becomes available. It also said creators, small businesses and organisations would be able to claim WhatsApp usernames already used on Facebook or Instagram.