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WhatsApp has announced the introduction of usernames, a new feature designed to allow users to connect with others without disclosing their personal phone numbers.
The messaging platform said the feature would provide users with greater privacy and control when communicating with individuals or organisations outside their immediate contact network.
Under the new system, users will be able to share a unique username instead of providing their mobile phone number. This will make it easier for people to establish new connections while keeping their personal contact details private.
WhatsApp disclosed that users can begin reserving their preferred usernames from this week, ahead of the full rollout of the feature later in the year.
To reserve a username, users must first update their WhatsApp application to the latest available version. They can then open the application and navigate to Settings, select Account and click on Username.
The reservation process is expected to take only a few seconds. Securing a username early could also help users obtain their preferred names before the feature becomes widely available.
The development forms part of WhatsApp’s continuing efforts to strengthen privacy and improve how users connect on the platform. Until now, phone numbers have served as the primary identity for WhatsApp accounts.
With the introduction of usernames, users will have an alternative way to identify themselves and communicate without automatically revealing their phone numbers.
WhatsApp said the username feature will officially become available later this year.
