By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced a major privacy update that will allow its over three billion users worldwide to communicate without sharing their phone numbers.
The company said on Monday that users will soon be able to create and share unique usernames instead of revealing their personal phone numbers when connecting with others.
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According to WhatsApp, the change is “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number.” Once implemented, phone numbers will no longer be automatically shared when someone is added to a group chat or when messaging a person or business for the first time.
Meta further explained that there will be no public directory or suggestions for usernames, meaning people will only be able to contact a user if they know the exact username.
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The feature will be rolled out gradually worldwide over the coming months, with users being notified when it becomes available in their country.
Creators, small businesses, and organizations will be given priority to claim usernames they already use on Meta’s other platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
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The introduction of usernames is expected to significantly enhance user privacy, especially in large group chats and initial business or personal interactions.
This update comes as users continue to demand greater control over their personal information on social messaging platforms.
WhatsApp users will be notified via the app when the feature becomes available in their region.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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