WhatsApp announces the introduction of a username feature

Instant messaging application WhatsApp has announced the introduction of a new username feature to improve user privacy, through which people will be able to contact each other without revealing their phone number.

According to the company, this feature will be available to WhatsApp’s approximately 3 billion users worldwide in phases over the next few months.

From Monday, users will be able to reserve their unique username through the app. However, having a username is not mandatory.

After the feature is activated, users will be able to chat with each other by simply exchanging usernames, while there will also be an option to block or report those who send unwanted messages.

According to WhatsApp, usernames will consist of a maximum of 35 characters and users will be able to change or delete their username at any time.

The company has also clarified that the names of famous personalities and high-ranking government officials will not be available to ordinary users to avoid forgery and fraud.

Meta-owned WhatsApp has described this new feature as an important step towards increasing user privacy.