WhatsApp users will soon be able to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers, following the introduction of unique usernames, parent company Meta announced on Monday.
The new feature will allow users to create and share unique usernames instead of their phone numbers, a move WhatsApp said is “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number.”
The update means users will no longer automatically reveal their phone numbers when they join large group chats or contact a person or business for the first time.
Meta also said the feature would enhance privacy because “there’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you.”
With more than three billion people using WhatsApp worldwide, Meta acknowledged that some users may not secure their preferred usernames.
The company said it would gradually roll out username reservations across the world over the coming months and notify users in each country when the feature becomes available.
Meta also announced that creators, small businesses and organisations will be able to reserve WhatsApp usernames that match those they already use on Facebook or Instagram.