WhatsApp to roll out username system, allowing users to hide phone numbers

2 points by PetaTech-News 13d ago ↗ HN

LONDON, July 2 — The BBC reported that WhatsApp plans to introduce a new privacy feature allowing users to connect by exchanging unique usernames instead of phone numbers.

According to the BBC, WhatsApp plans to roll out the feature globally to its roughly 3 billion users over the coming months. The report said users will be..... source: petatech24.com

4 comments

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aristofun 13d ago ↗

Wow what an incredible pace of innovation!

lemonademan 13d ago ↗

I think this is a very useful feature if the users still have the option to exchange phone numbers if they want.

exabrial 13d ago ↗

I trust whatsapp like a fart in flu season. Use signal and encourage your friends to switch.

eszed 13d ago ↗

I got that notification a few days ago: "Reserve your username!" Every username I tried - based first of all around my very-uncommon real-name" - that did NOT have numbers at the end of it was either already taken (fair enough) or else "reserved for Business account holders", and Would I like to upgrade? It's a monetization push.