WhatsApp users will no longer need to share phone numbers under a coming update.
Instead, users will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others, in a move “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number”.
Restricting access to phone numbers would mean they are not shared automatically in cases such as being added to a large group chat or messaging person or business for the first time.
WhatsApp is set to introduce username for its users
Additionally, “there will be no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you”.
As with other social media services, the sheer number of people — Meta claims over three billion — using WhatsApp means many may not get their first choice of handle.
According to the company, it will gradually roll out username reservations worldwide “over the coming months”, notifying users in each country when they open there.
On the other hand, “creators, small businesses and organizations” will be allowed to claim WhatsApp usernames that they already use on fellow Meta products Facebook or Instagram.
