June 30, 2026 3:18 PM
WhatsApp’s new ‘username’ feature: What it means, how it boosts users’ privacy
Meta-owned WhatsApp is set to introduce a username-based identity system aimed at enhancing user privacy by allowing people to connect without sharing their mobile phone numbers. The upcoming feature represents a significant shift from WhatsApp's current phone number-based model. Once rolled out, users will be able to communicate using unique usernames, adding an extra layer of privacy for the platform's billions of users. Announcing the feature, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said it is "designed t...