WhatsApp to let people chat without swapping phone numbers

WhatsApp is set to revolutionize the way users connect by allowing them to chat without the need to share their phone numbers. This new feature, which will be rolled out globally over the next few months, enables users to exchange unique usernames instead. With over three billion users on the platform, this change is expected to enhance privacy and user control. Starting Monday, users will have the option to reserve a username within the app, although this will not be mandatory. The company has assured that users can change or remove their usernames at any time, providing flexibility and control over their identity on the platform. The introduction of usernames is seen as a significant step towards improving user privacy. According to Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp's head of product, many users have expressed a desire to connect without disclosing their phone numbers, especially in group chats. This feature aims to empower users by giving them the choice of how they wish to present themselves on the app. Usernames will be limited to 35 characters, and while there will be few restrictions, notable public figures and celebrities will have their names protected from being used by others. Critics, however, have raised concerns regarding the overall privacy of WhatsApp. Carisa Veliz, a professor at Oxford University, pointed out that while the new feature may enhance privacy, WhatsApp is still owned by Meta, a company known for its questionable privacy practices. Although WhatsApp does not use the content of private messages for advertising, it collects metadata about user interactions, which can be utilized for marketing purposes. This duality raises questions about the true extent of privacy users can expect on the platform. Once the feature is fully implemented, individual phone numbers will no longer be visible to other users, which could significantly change the dynamics of how people interact on the app. However, it is important to note that a public directory of usernames will not be established, and users will still need a phone number to create a WhatsApp account. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact user experience and privacy in the long run.