WhatsApp says it is launching a new privacy feature that allows people to chat without revealing their phone numbers.
In an update on Monday, the platform said users worldwide will be able to voluntarily reserve a name via the app.
“Your phone number is personal, and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp,” it stated on X.
The Meta-owned company said the feature will launch this week, adding that users must update to the latest version of the app to access it.
“Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp and then go to Settings > Account > Username,” it added.
Once fully activated, the feature will allow WhatsApp users to connect only after exchanging usernames. However, there will still be options to block or report unwanted messages.
The platform said names should be limited to 35 characters.
It added that there will be a few restrictions, with the exception of some high-profile officials and celebrities whose names will not be made available to anyone else.