Meta has announced plans to close a privacy loophole on WhatsApp by introducing usernames for group conversations, allowing users to create a username instead of sharing their personal phone number.
The change, set to roll out later this year, aims to enhance user privacy by making it more difficult for others to contact users directly.
Users will be able to reserve a username in advance, with Meta offering a name generator to assist those struggling to select a chat handle.
The company has emphasized that usernames are a step towards making WhatsApp even more private, stating that people will need to know a user's exact username to contact them for the first time.
Meta has also put in place multiple layers of defense to prevent scammers hiding behind usernames, including username keys, limits on new connections, and abuse pattern detection.
Users will be able to reserve an optional username by going into settings and selecting account and then username, after ensuring they have the latest version of WhatsApp.
Meta will notify users in WhatsApp when usernames become available in their country, with the company aiming to roll out the feature gradually over the coming months.
The introduction of usernames is a proactive measure by Meta to address user concerns about privacy and security on WhatsApp, with the company stating that it is committed to protecting user data.
